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THE ARMY HORSE 



IN 



ACCIDENT AND DISEASE 



A MANUAL 

PREPARED FOR THE USE OF STUDENTS OF THE 

TRAINJNG SCHOOL FOR FARRiERS 

AND HORSESHOERS 

BY THE 

TRAINING SCHOOL INSTRUCTORS 
IQOa 






Classic ^ <^^L. 
( 1909; 



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THE ARMY HORSE 

IN 

ACCIDENT AND DISEASE 

EDITION: 1909 



A MANUAL PREPARED FOR THE USE OF 
STUDENTS OF THE TRAINING SCHOOL 
FOR FARRIERS AND HORSESHOERS BY 
THE TRAINING SCHOOL INSTRUCTORS 



MOUNTED SERVICE SCHOOL 
FORT RILEY, KANSAS 




WASHINGTON 

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 

1909 



W A K ] ) E P A li T M E N T , 

Dorunient Xo. 347. 
Office of Chief of Staff. 






NOV 30 ..o9 

1^. u?- a 






War Department, 
Office of the Chief of Staff, 

^Vas^lington, October 8, 190.9. 
The Army Horse in Accident and Disease, Revised 1909, prepared 
at the Mounted Service School, Fort Riley, Kans., for the use of 
students of the training school for farriers and horseshoers, as well 
as for the army at large and the organized militia, is issued for the 
information and guidance of all concerned. 
By order of the Secretary of War: 

J. Franklin Bell, 
Major General, Chief of Staff . 



PREFACE TO RHYISIH) EDITION, 1906. 



This manual, as originally compiled by Alexander Plummer, D. V. S., veterinarian, 
Fourth Cavalry, and Richard H. Power, V. S., veterinarian Artillery Corps, was pub- 
lished in 1903. In this edition the work has been revised by the compilers, assisted 
by Charles H. Jewell, D. V. M., veterinarian, Thirteenth Cavalry, and Capt. Geo. II. 
Cameron, Fourth Cavalry, secretary. 

Matter from the companion text-book, "The Army Horseshoer," has been substi- 
tuted in several places for that of the original. 

An original chapter on Tropical Diseases, by Veterinarian Jewell, and many illus- 
trations from photographs and drawings, have been added. 

Captain Cameron, in addition to his work on the revision of the text, made the 
original drawings and prepared the others for reproduction. His valuable assistance 
is here acknowledged. 

The greater part of the photographic work was done by First Lieut. S. B. Pearson, 
Ninth Cavalry. 

The arrangement of the text has been adapted to the course of practical instruction, 
and the language, as far as possible, to study by men who, as a rule, have had limited 
educational advantages. 

School op Application for Cavalry and Field Artillery, 
Fort Riley, Kans., December 30, 1905. 



PREFACE TO REVISED EDITION, 1909. 



In this edition a few errors of plates and text have been corrected, and certain 
parts of the text have been rewritten as the result of the class room experience of the 
instructors. Veterinarian Alexander Plummer, Fourth Cavalry, and Veterinarian 
Charles H. Jewell, Sixth Field Artillery (horse). 

A chapter on Age by the Teeth, compiled by the secretary. First Lieut. Robert M. 
Danford, Fifth Field Artillery, has been added. Plate IX has been redrawn and 
Plate XIX, prepared by Capt. Geo. II. Cameron, Fourth Cavalry, assistant comman- 
dant. 

Mounted Service School, 

Fort Riley, Kans., July 30, 1909. 

3 



AUTHORITIES CONSULTED. 



Bureau of Animal Industry: Special Report on Diseases of the Horse. 
Cadiot: a Treatise on Veterinary Therapeutics of the Domestic Animals. 
Chauveau: Comparative Anatomy of Domesticated Animals. 
Dun: Veteri.nary Medicines, Their Actions and Uses. 
Fleming: Operative Veterinary Surgery. 

Friedburger and Frohner: Pathology and Therapeutics of the Donieslic Animals. 
Goubaux and Barrier: The Exterior of the Horse. (Translation.) 
Law: Veterinary Medicine. 
Liautard: Manual of Veterinary Surgery. 
Moller: Operative Veterinary Surgery. (Translation.) 
Neumann: Parasites and Parasitic Diseases of the Domesticated Animals. 
Quitman: Notes on Veterinary Medicine. 
Smith: Veterinary Hygiene. 
Smith: A Manual of Veterinary Physiology. 
Strangeway: Veterinary Anatomy. 

Williams: Principles and Practice of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery. 
Winslow: Materia Medica. 
Wyman : Diagnosis of Lameness in the Horse. 
4 



CONTENTS, 



Chapter I. — Conformation and Points. Defects and Blemishes. 
II. — SiABLE Management of the Sick and Injured. 
III. — Anatomy. 

IV. — Administration of Medicines. Weights and Measures. 
V. — Wounds, Sprains, Bruises, Abrasions, and Abscesses. 
VI. — Diseases of the Respiratory System and Influenza. 
VII. — Diseases of the Digestive, Urinary, Nervous, and Lymphatic- 
Systems. 
VIII. — Miscellaneous Diseases. 
IX. — Diseases of the Skin and Eye. 
X. — Diseases of the Feet. 
XI. — Diseases of Bone and Detection of Lameness. 
XII. — Age by the Teeth. 
XIII. — Tropical Diseases. 
XIV. — Medicines, Their Actions and Uses. 

5 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 



Prontispiece.— Attendance at operation. 
Plate I. — Points of the horse. 
II. — The horse in slings. 
III. — Skeleton of the horse. 
IV. — Muscles and tendons of the horse. 
V. — Respiratory apparatus. 
VI. — Digestive apparatus. 
VII. — Circulatory apparatus. 
VIII. — Section of the eye. 

IX. — Section of the hoof and pastern. 
X. — Fig. 1, Curb. Fig. 2, Bursal enlargement. Fig. 3, Sprain of the flexor 

tendons (bowed tendons). Fig. 4, Line firing. Fig. 5, Capped hock. 
XI.^Fig. 1, Fistulous withers. Fig. 2, Poll evil. 
XII. — Characteristic symptoms of spasmodic colic. 
XIII. — Lymphangitis. 
XIV. — Purpura hemorrhagica. 
XV.— Farcy. 
XVI.— Tetanus. 
XVII.— Grease. 
XVIII. — Fig. 1, Sidebone. Fig. 2, Ringbone. Fig. 3, Bone spavin. Fig. 4, Splint. 

XIX. — Longitudinal section and cross sections of lower incisor. 
XlXa. — Surra: characteristic swellings. 
XX. — Surra parasite. 
XXI. — Chronic epizootic lymphangitis (tropical). 



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THE ARMY HORSE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 



CHAPTER I. 

CONFORMATION AND POINTS— DEFECTS AND BLEMISHES. 

CONFORMATION AND POINTS. 

(Plate I.) 

The forehead should be broad and not bulging; the e^^es full, clear, 
and promment, with a mild expression, and not showing any of the 
white; the muzzle not too large, as a coarse, large muzzle indicates 
ill breeding; the nostrils large and open; the face straight; and the 
lower jaw with ample width between the two sides, for the develop- 
ment and play of the larynx (Adam's apple) and windpipe, and, in 
addition, to allow the head to be nicely bent on the neck. 

The ears should be of medium size, set well on the head and held 
erect. 

The parotid and submaxillary regions should be free from large 
glands and without any loose skin at the lower part of the throat. 

The neck should be of moderate length, clean and not too narrow 
at a point just in rear of the tliroat; a short, thick neck does not allow 
of free movement from side to side, and a long, slim neck is apt to be 
too pliable. A neck with concave upper border, known as "ewe 
neck" is unsightly. The jugular channel or furrow should be free 
from enlargements. The point of the shoulder should be well devel- 
oped. The point of the elbow should not be turned in, as the horse 
in that case is apt to turn his toes out; the opposite conformation 
results in the condition called "pigeontoed." 

The forearm should be long and muscular; the knee broad, and 
when looked at from the front, much wider than the limb above and 
below, but tapering off backward to a comparatively thin edge. A 
bending of the knee backward is called a "calf knee," and is very ob- 
jectionable. The opposite condition is known as "knee sprung." 

The cannon should be of uniform size; if smaller just below the 
knee than elsewhere (a condition called "tied in"), weakness is to be 
expected. 



10 THE ARMY HORSE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 

The fetlock joint should be of good size and clean; the pasterns of 
moderate length, and forming an angle of between 45 and 50 degrees 
with the ground or floor. 

The foot should be of moderate size; a flat foot or one too narrow 
at the heels is objectionable. 

The relative proportions of the shoulders and the exact shape de- 
sirable vary considerably in cavalry and artillery horses. Thus, when 
speed and activity are essential, as in the cavalry horse, the shoulder 
should be oblique (sloping), as this shape gives elasticity to the gait 
of the horse. For the artillery horse, working in harness, a more up- 
right shoulder bears the pressure of the collar more evenly, and when 
the collar is at right angle to the traces the horse exerts his strength 
to the greatest advantage. The front line of the shoulder must be 
clearly marked; an irregular surface or excessive muscular develop- 
ment in the region marked A (Plate I) prevents a close fit of the 
collar. 

The withers should not be thin and high, as this conformation will 
allow the saddle to slip too far forward and the pommel will rest upon 
the withers. The bars of the saddle will be forced against the shoulder 
blades, causing irritation and inflammation, and preventing free mo- 
tion of the shoulders; the constraint causes stumbling. On the other 
hand, the withers should not be low or thick, as the saddle is then 
apt to pinch them. 

The breast and chest should be of moderate width and have con- 
.siderable depth; the narrow chest indicates weakness, and the wide, 
heavy chest is suitable for heavy-draft horses only. 

The capacity of the lungs is marked by the size of the chest at the 
girth, but the stamina will depend upon the length of the back ribs. 
The barrel should not be broad back of the cinch, as it would cause 
the cinch to slip forward and chafe the body just back of the point 
of the elbow. The opposite conformation would allow the saddle and 
cinch to slip backward. The back should be short, with muscles well 
developed, and the upper lines of the back bending down a little be- 
hind the withers and then swelling out very gently to the junction of 
the loins, which can hardly be too broad and muscular. 

The last rib should be placed close to the point of the hip, as this 
is an indication of strength, and the horse is more easily kept in good 
condition than one having the opposite conformation. 

A slightly arched loin is essential to the power of carrying weight; 
the concave or "sway-back" is therefore a sign of weakness; the 
much arched or ''roach back " is almost sure to give uneasy action from 
its want of elasticity. 

The hips should be broad, smooth, and muscular. 

The croup should be well rounded, should slope slightly downward 
and l)e of moderate length; both the straight, horizontal croup and 



DEFECTS AND BLEMISHES. 11 

the drooping croup are unsightly; when the croup droops and also 
becomes narrow below the tail, the conformation is known as "goose 
rump " and is a sign of weakness. 

The dock should be large and muscular; the tail carried lirmh' and 
well away from the quarters. 

The quarter (thigh and buttock) and gaskin slioidd be broad. 
The muscles of the two quarters should come close together, leaving 
no hollow below the anus; the widely separated conformation is an 
indication of a want of constitution. 

The hock should be of good size, but clean and flat, and with a 
good clean point standing clear of the joint. The two hocks should 
stand well apart, but not enough to give the horse the appearance 
of being ''bow-legged." "Cow-hocked," so called, is when the 
hocks stand close together and the hind feet wide apart, with the toes 
turned out. 

If the hocks stand in, it will be noticetl that the stifles stand out, 
and the reverse. "Straight hock" and "crooked hock" are terms 
used to express the shape of the hind leg as seen from the side; both 
shapes are objectionable. "Sickle hock" describes the curve which 
results from a crooked hock, a short cannon, and a sloping pastern. 

The cannon shoidd be short, not tied in below the hock, and the line 
from the point of the hock to the back part of the fetlock should be 
straight. 

The fetlock when bent forward is an indication of weakness known 
as "cocked ankle." The hind fetlocks, pasterns, and feet should 
correspond to those of the fore extremity, but the pasterns are usually 
more upright. 

DEFECTS AND BLEMISHES. 

Defects and blemishes are those results of injuries (more or less 
severe) which show on the outside of the body. The}' are regarded 
as external diseases, and may be classed as follows : 

1. Diseases of bones. 

2. Diseases of synovial membranes. 

3. Diseases of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and skin. 

4. Diseases of the foot. 

1 . Diseases of hones. 

Bone spavin. — Location: Lower and inner part of the hock joint. 

Splints. — Location: Usually appearing on the inner side of the 
upper third of the front cannon ; occasion^ly found on the outer side 
of the upper third of the hind cannon. 

Sidehones (ossification of lateral cartilages). — Location: Sides of 
the foot just above the coronet. 

Ringbone. — T^ocation: Between coronet and fetlock joint. 



12 THE ARMY HOESE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 

2. Diseases of synovial membranes. 

Bog spavin. — Location: Front part of hock joint. 

Thorough-pin. — Location: Upper and back part of hock joint. 

Wind pujfs (windgalls). — Location: On the sides of the tendons 
just above the fetlock joints. 

Other bursal enlargements (distended synovial sacs or pouches) 
may be found located on various parts of the legs, but no special 
name has been given to them. 

.?. Diseases of the muscles, terukms, ligaments, and sMn. 

Poll evil. — Location: In the region of the poll. 

Fistulous withers. — I^ocation: In the region of the withers. 

Sweeny (atrophy or wasting of the muscles). — Location: Usually 
in the shoulder or the hip. 

BroJcen knees. — Location: Front part of the kneejoint. 

Capped elbow. — Location : Point of the elbow. 

Capped hocJc. — Location: Point of the hock. 

Curb. — Location: Lower and back part of the hock. 

Sprung knees. — Location: Knees. 

Cocked ankles. — Location: Fetlock joints. 

Bowed tendons. — Location: Flexor tendons below the knee and 
hock. 

Breakdown. — Location : Sprain of the suspensory ligament. 

Saddle galls. — Location : On the saddle bed. 

Cinch galls. — Location: On the parts coming in contact with the 
cinch. 

Collar galls. — Location: On the parts coming in contact with the 
collar. 

4. Diseases of the foot. 

Thrush. — Location: Frog. 

Canker. — Location: Frog and sole. 

Chronic laminitis. — Location: Sensitive lamina?. 

Corn. — Location : Between the wall and bar. 

False quarter and epiarter crack. — Location: Quarters of the hoof. 

Quittor. — Location: Top of the coronet. 

Contracted heels. — Location: Heels. 

Toe cracks, j Lo^^ation : At the toe of tlie hoof. 
Seedy toe. ) 



CHAPTER II. 



STABLE MANAGEMENT OF THE SICK AND INJURED. 

CARE OF THE SICK. 

The sick horse should, if practicable, be immeil lately removed to a 
large, clean, light and well-ventilated box stall, free from drafts and 
located as far as possible from other horses. Clean bedding should 
be provided, and the stall kept free from manure and moisture. If 
such a stall can not be provided a double stall, with the kicking bar 
removed and ropes or bars placed across the front of it, will answer 
the purpose. 

If the patient is suffering from a febrile disease (fever) during the 
cold season of the year, paulins or horse covers can be hung up in such 
a manner as to serve as a protection from drafts, care being taken to 
allow sufficient air to enter this improvised box stall. Such patients 
must be clothed according to the season of the year, the blanket 
drawn well forward on the neck and fastened in front, the legs, after 
hand-rubbing, bandaged with red flannels. The bandages should be 
changed several times daily, and the legs thoroughly rubbed to stimu- 
late circulation. 

Horses with diseases of the nervous system require to be kept 
absolutely quiet, and must be removed as far as possible from all 
noise. It is preferable that only one man be allowed to attend to 
their wants, as a change of attendants would very likely cause excite- 
ment and thus increase the severity of the disease. Animals suffering 
from debilitating diseases should be tempted with and fed any food 
that is rich in nourishment and easily digested. Salt should fre- 
quently be added. The food, etc., should be given only in such 
quantities as the' animal will readily eat, and any portion left over 
should be at once removed, as food constantly placed before a sick 
animal will have a tendency to deprive it of all appetite. Food that 
is wet, such as bran mashes or steamed oats, will soon sour in warm 
weather and will get cold or may freeze during the winter; if eaten 
in these conditions it may cause diarrhea, colic, etc. Feed boxes, 
water buckets, and all parts of the stall must be kept clean and free 

13 



14 THE ARMY HORSE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 

from odor. The hay should be clean and bright, and only the best 
given to the sick animal. Pure water should be provided, and placed 
in such a position as to enable the animal to reach it without difficulty; 
a sick horse will frequently rinse the lips and mouth with water if 
given the opportunity, even when not thirsty. The water should be 
changed as often as necessary during the day to insure a pure and 
fresh supply at all times. 

A horse suifering from colic requires sufficient space, well bedded, 
to prevent injuring himself by rolling during a spasm of pain. A 
man should be constantly in attendance, as there is danger that the 
animal may become cast and be unable to get up without assistance. 

Undigested matter being the exciting cause in almost all cases of 
colicj food should be withheld for about twelve hours after all pain 
has disappeared, and then given only in small quantities during the 
next twenty-four hours, after which the ordinar}^ ration may be re- 
sumed. A few swallows of pure water may be given at short intervals, 
but special care must be taken when the water is very cold. 

The pulse is the beating of the arteries, usually felt at the jaw (the 
submaxillary artery), and is an important guide in determining the 
physical condition of the animal; the normal pulsations are about 40 
per minute. The count is best taken by placing the fore or middle 
finger transversel}^ on the arter3^ The slightest excitement, when 
the horse is sick, will cause an alteration in the pulse; therefore the 
animal should be approached very quietly. A strong and full pulse 
is an indication of health. 

In the first stages of fever the pulse is full and bounding, after- 
wards becoming small and weak. A very slow pulse denotes disease 
or injury of the brain or spinal cord. An imperceptible pulse indi- 
cates the approach of death. 

At rest the healthy horse breathes from 13 to 15 times per minute. 
Difficult or rapid breathing is a prominent symptom of disease of the 
respiratory organs; it may also be observed in some cases of flatulent 
colic. Abdominal breathing is the respiratory^ movement performed 
with the ribs fixed as much as possible, ovv^ing to pain or mechanical 
obstruction in the chest, and is a symptom of pleurisy and hydro- 
thorax (water in the chest). 

Irregular breathing is that condition where there is a want of 
harmonious correspondence between the inspiratory and expiratory 
movements, and is observed in the disease commonly known as 
"broken wind" or "heaves." The inspiratory movement in this 
affection is performed quickly and with jerky effort, while the expi- 
ratory movement is performed slowly and with a double action, 
more particularly of the abdominal muscles. Irregular breathing 
often becomes spasmodic or convulsive during the progress of the 
disease. The condition and color of the visible mucous niembranes 



STABLE MANAGEMENT OF SICK AND INJURED. 15 

should be closely observed ; as will be learned in detail later, they are 
an important guide in determining the physical condition of the 
animal. 

The normal temperature of the horse in the internal part which 
is most easily accessible, the rectum, may be estimated at from 99° 
to 101° F. In very young animals the temperature is commonly 
about 101°, but in very old ones it has been known to be as low as 
96° F. The temperature of the external parts of the body becomes 
lower according to their distance from the heart, and liable to much 
variation from the state of the surrounding atmosphere. Fever is 
an elevation of temperature. 

The production of animal heat is due to certain chemical and vital 
changes which are continually taking place in the body ; these changes 
consist in the absorption of oxygen by the capillaries in the lungs, and 
the combination of that oxygen with the carbon and hydrogen derived 
(first) from the disintegration of animal tissues and (second) from cer- 
tain elements of the food which have not been converted into tissue. 

This combination with oxygen, or oxidation, not only takes place 
in the blood, which may be looked upon as a fluid tissue, but in the 
tissue cells also, in all parts of the body, the animal heat being main- 
tained b}^ the natural changes which are essential to a healthy 
condition. 

As previously stated, oxygen is absorbed from the air by the capil- 
laries of the lungs in respiration (breathing). Expired air is found 
to have lost about 10 per cent of the oxygen contained in pure air, 
and to have accumulated a like amount of a combination of carbon 
and oxygen, called carbonic acid gas. If we imagine the animal 
breathing and rebreathing the same air, it can be seen that the oxygen, 
so necessary for the purification of the blood, would soon diminish 
to a dangerous degree. Hence, we realize the importance of a large 
supply of air to draw on and the necessity of good ventilation. At 
each inspiration the horse draws about 250 cubic inches of air into 
the lungs, and he therefore requires about 2 cubic feet per minute, 
or 120 per hour. It is customary, in building ordinary stables, to 
allow 1,600 cubic feet of air space (over twelve hours' supply) for 
each animal, and to provide means of admitting fresh air without 
causing drafts. In infirmaiy stables the allowance is increased to 
1,900 cubic feet. 

Without good air the blood is imperfectly purified, the vitality of 
the animal is lessened, he is more susceptible to disease, and will suc- 
cumb more easily when attacked; consequently horses should never 
be kept in the vicinity of a marsh, the air from which contains an 
excess of carbonic acid gas and a diminished supply of the necessary 
oxygen. 

5417—09 2 



16 THE ARMY HORSE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 

CARE OF THE INJURED. 

If the horse is seriously injured and stands with dilhculty, he should 
be placed in slings (Plate II) to partially support the weight of the 
body. The slings must be properly adjusted, fitting closely behind 
the elbows in such a manner as to support the weight of the body on 
the chest and not on the abdomen. This position is maintained by 
the use of the breast piece and breeching, which prevent the shifting 
of the sling. A single stall, having a level floor, free from bedding, 
is more suitable than one allowing more motion to the animal. 

If the horse is but slightly injured, there is no necessity of placing 
him in slings. An ordinary stall with a level floor is all that is re- 
quired. After the injury has been dressed he should be allowed to 
stand without being disturbed. If very lame, and movement is 
painful, the more quiet he is kept the more quickly will recovery 
take place. Absolute rest and perfect quietude are two very essential 
things, and when secured they will hasten the process of recovery w^ith- 
out inflicting unnecessar}^ pain upon the animal. In some surgical 
cases it is necessary to restrain the animal so that he can not injure 
himself by rubbing or biting the affected parts. This can be accom- 
plished by tying up the head or by the application of side lines. 
Bandages may be applied to the legs of animals for different purposes : 
First, to give support to the blood vessels and synovial bursae; sec- 
ond, to dry and warm the legs; third, to support packs used in apply- 
ing hot and cold lotions; and fourth, when conditions are favorable, 
to check haemorrhages. 

WATER SUPPLY. 

However harmless impure water may have been to aninials in a w^ild 
state, the more w^e subject them to an artificial existence the more 
we remove them from the immunity they may have possessed against 
common causes of disease and the greater liability is there for the 
development of diseases wdiich originally may never have existed. 
In other words, the domesticated animal should always have pure 
water; when the vitality is further reduced by sickness the necessity 
of absolute purity is even more imperative. 



18 THE ARMY HORSE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE, 






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ANATOMY. 19 

The skull, containing cavities (or chambers), is composed of 
irregularly shaped flat bones, the most important of wliich is the 
cranium, or brainpan, occupied by the brain and communicating 
with the bony canal (containing the spinal cord), wliich passes 
through the center of the cervical, dorsal, lumbar, sacral, and some- 
times the first two or three coccygeal vertebrae. The orbital cavities 
(containing the eyes) communicate with the brain by narrow pas- 
sages, through one of which the optic nerve passes. 

On each side, below the eye, are two closed cavities known as the 
superior (upper) and inferior (lower) maxillary sinuses; in the lower 
third of the skull are found the nasal chambers extending from the 
nostrils backward to the pharynx, and separated by a thin partition 
of bone and cartilage, called the septum nasi; the floor of these 
chambers forms the roof of the mouth. From the orbital cavities 
the skull gradually becomes narrower and terminates a short distance 
below the nostrils in the preTnaxilla, which contains the six upper 
incisor teeth; these six, with the corresponding teeth in the lower 
jaw, form the anterior (front) boundary of the mouth, which extends 
back to the phaiy^nx. On the upper portion of the back of the mouth 
cavity are found six molar or grinder teeth on each side ; that portion 
of the jaw between them and the incisors is called the interdental 
space. vSituated on each side near the incisor teeth in this space are 
found, in the male, and rarely in the female, the tushes or canine 
teeth. 

The inferior maxilla or lower jaw is composed of two segments 
firmly united in front and spreading backward somewhat in the form 
of a letter Y. Each branch, at the end, turns upward and is united 
to the skull proper in a movable joint. The branches of the jaw 
include a space appropriately called the maxillary space. Located 
in the united or front part of this bone are the inferior incisors and 
canine teeth, and, in the branches, the inferior molars, which corre- 
spond to those of the upper jaw. The space between the molars 
and incisors is the same as that in the upper jaw. 

The front leg is composed of the following bones, named in order 
from above downward: Scapula, shoulder blade; humerus, bone of 
the arm; radius, bone of the forearm, and ulna, bone of the elbow 
(radius and ulna are united in one bone); carpus, knee bones (seven 
small bones) ; large metacarpal, cannon bone ; two small metacarpals, 
splint bones (the three metacarpal bones are joined together, forming 
the metacarpus); two sesamoids, pulley bones; os suffraginis, upper 
pastern bone; os coronse, lower pastern bone; os pedis, coffin bone, 
and OS navicularis, shuttle bone. The scapula is extended by means 
of a thin plate of gristle, called the ^'cartilage of prolongation,^^ wliich 
offers additional attachment for the muscles of the body. 



20 THE ARMY HORSE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 

The i)elvis is composed of two segments. In each segment are 
tliree united, irregularly shaped, flat bones, namely, ilivm, ischium, 
and pubis (haunch bones). The ischium and pubis bones are also 
united in pairs, forming the floor of the pelvic cavity occupied by 
the bladder and rectum. The two ilium bones or branches are 
triangular in shape. The outer angle in each case is the jwint of 
the hip. The two inner angles are close to each other, and together 
form the poi7it of the croup. Just below this point each branch is 
attached to the sacrum by ligaments. That portion of the ilium 
extending back to the hip joint is called the "shaft." 

The hind leg is composed of the following bones: Femur, thigh 
bone ; tihia, leg bone ; fibula, accessory leg bone ; patella, stifle bone ; 
tarsus, hock (made up of six small bones, named calcaneum, astrag- 
alus, cuneiform magnum, medium, and parvum, and cuhoid) ; large 
metatarsal, cannon bone ; two small metatarsals, splint bones. Below 
the cannon, the bones have the same name as in the fore leg. 

JOINTS. 

A joint is a movable union between two or more bones. Covering 
the adjacent surfaces in the joint is a thin and very smooth layer 
of a peculiar kind of cartilage called articular cartilage. A lubricating 
fluid, synovia, joint oil, is required to reduce the amount of friction; 
tliis fluid is secreted or formed by the synovial membrane and the 
latter is confined and protected by the capsular ligament which com- 
pletely surrounds the joint. Outside of the capsular hgament are 
binding ligaments holding the bones in position. 

The joints of the fore leg are as follows: Shoulder joint, formed by 
the lower end of the scapula and the head of the humerus; elbow 
joint, by the radius, ulna, and humerus; Imee-joint, by the radius, 
seven "small bones (carpals), and the upper end of the metacarpals; 
fetlock joint, by the large cannon, upper pastern bone, and the two 
sesamoids; pastern joint, by the upper and lower pastern bones; 
coffin joint, by the lower pastern, coffin bone, and shuttle bone. 

The following joints make up the articulation of the hind leg: 
Hip joint, formed by the socket of the pelvis and the head of the 
femur ; stifle joint, by the lower end of the femur, head of the tibia, 
and the patella ; hocJc joint, by the lower end of the tibia, six small 
bones (tarsals), and the upper ends of the metatarsals. The fet- 
lock, pastern, and coflin joints correspond to those of the fore limb. 

LIGAMENTS. 

Ligaments are, genexally speaking, strong bands of white fibrous 
inelastic tissue. Their principal use is to firml}^ bind joints together, 
thereby preventing vibration and chminishing friction. 



ANATOMY. 21 

The suspensory ligament should be carefully studied on account 
of the numerous accidents to which it is liable. It is a long, strong 
baufl of fibrous tissue originating in the back ])art of tlie lower bones 
of the knee and in the upper part of the cannon bone; it occupies 
the s])ace between the splint bones and passes down immediately 
beliind the cannon bone, lying between it and the tendon (sinew) 
of the flexor pedis perforaj^s: it bifurcates (divides into two) oppo- 
site the lower third of the cannon bone and becomes attached to 
the sesamoids, whence the parts pass forward and downward, joining 
the tendon of the extensor pedis just above the pastern joint. It 
is thin and comparatively weak near the knee, but as it approaches 
the fetlock joint it almost equals the back tendons in substance, and 
its size and wiriness to the touch may be taken as some test of the 
power of any particular leg to resist a breakdown. 

The suspensory ligament of the hind leg corres])onds in every 
particular to that of the fore leg. 

The calcaneo-cuboid ligament stretches from the posterior (back) 
border of the calcaneum to the posterior part of the cuboid, ending 
on the head of the external (outer) splint bone. A sprain of this 
ligament is known as a "curh." 

Capsular ligaments, as we have seen, are pouch-shaped, are found 
around joints, and are intended to protect the lubricating apparatus 
inside. 

Some ligaments are made up almost entirely of yellow tissue, 
which is elastic. The Ugamentum nuclise, neck ligament, is an impor- 
tant example. It occupies the space in front of the dorsal spines, 
above the cervical vertebrae, and is attached to the top of the skull. 
In this position it separates the neck muscles of the right side from 
those of the left. The object of elasticity in this ligament is to 
permit of great freedom in the motion of the head, although sup- 
porting its great weight in proper position. 

MUSCLES AND TENDONS. 

(Plate IV.) 

The muscles are divided into voluntary and involuntary mus- 
cles; the former being under the direct control of the will, as, for 
example, the muscles of the neck, legs, tail, etc. ; and the latter acting 
independently of the animal's will, as, for example, the heart, intes- 
tinal muscles, etc. 

The muscles form about oncrhalf of the entire weight of the body. 
With regard to their form they are divided into long, wide, and 
short. Long muscles are generally found in the limbs; wide mus- 
cles are stretched beneath tlie skin or around the great cavities of 
the trunk, and short muscles are found chiefly around the irregularly 
shaped bones. 



22 THE ARMY HORSE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 

Tendons are white, round or flattened cords affixed to the ex- 
tremities of long muscles, attaching them to other structures, but 
themselves neither stretching nor contracting. 

All leg muscles are long muscles. Extensors are those that have 
the power of straightening the \\inh\jlexors, of bending the limb. 

The extensor pedis is the principal extensor of the fore leg; it 
originates at the lower extremity of the humerus, and its fleshy por- 
tion continues to the lower third of the radius; at this point it be- 
comes tendinous, and, passing down over the knee, continues along 
the front of the leg and becomes attached to the upper and front 
part of the os pedis. Action, to extend the leg. 

The extensor svffraginis has its origin from the external head and 
outer border of the radius and from the side of the ulna ; it is inserted 
(attaclied) to the upper and front part of the os suffraginis. Action, 
to extend the foot. 

The extensor metacarpi magnus has its origin from the lower and 
external surface of the humerus, passes down the front of the radius 
and kneejoint, and is attached to the upper end of the large meta- 
carpal bone. Action, to extend the metacarpus. 

The jlexor hrachii has its origin from the lower end of the scapula, 
near the shoulder joint, and passes down in front of that joint and 
the humerus and becomes attached to the upper front part of the 
radius. Action, to flex the elbow joint and extend the shoulder. 

The flexor pedis perforatus originates from the inner and lower part 
of the humerus; it passes down the back part of the leg, becoming 
tendinous just above the carpus; behind the pastern it bifurcates, 
formino- a ring for the passage of the tendon of the perforans and 
becomes attached to the sides of the os coronse. Action, to bend or 
flex the knee, fetlock, and pastern. 

The flexor pedis perforans originates with the perforatus; its fleshy 
portion passes down and is attached to the back part of the radius; 
its tendinous portion, beginning at the knee, passes down the leg 
between the cannon bone and the tendon of the perforatus, over the 
back of the fetlock, through the arch formed by the division of the 
tendon of the perforatus, and is attached to the under surface of the 
OS pedis. Action, to flex the knee and ah joints below. 

The extensor pedis of the hind leg originates from the lower and 
front part of the femur; its fleshy portion extends downward along 
the front surface of the tibia to the hock, where it becomes tendinous; 
passing thence down the front of the. leg it is attached in the same 
manner as the extensor pedis of the front leg. Action, to extend the 
leg and flex the hock. 

The peroneus has its origin from the external ligament of the stifle 
and from the outer part of the fibula, and is attached to the tendon 



ANATOMY. 23 



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24 THE ARMY HORSE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 

of the extensor pedis a short distance below the hock. Action, to 
assist the extensor pedis. 

The tendon of the peroneus is cut in the operation for string lialt. 

The flexor metatarsi is divided into two portions — a iiiuscidar and 
a tendinous. The tendinous part is a strong pearl-white cord, situ- 
ated between the muscular portion and the extensor pedis. It com- 
mences at the lower extremity of the femur, and terminates in two 
branches — a large one inserted in front of the upper extremity of the 
cannon bone and a small one deviating outward to reach the front 
surface of the cuboid bone. The fleshy portion originates on the 
front face of the tibia and is inserted by two tendons, one in the head 
of the large metatarsal bone, the other in the small cuneiform on the 
inner side of the hock. Action, to flex the hock. 

The flexor pedis peifloratus of the hind leg originates at the back 
and lower part of the femur. Its fleshy portion extends about 
halfway down the tibia, then becomes tendinous, and passes over 
the point of the hock, continues down the back of the leg, and is 
attached in the same manner as the perforatus of the front leg. 
Action, to extend the hock and to flex the fetlock and pastern. 

The gastrocnemius externus has a double origin at the lower and 
back part of the femur and is attached to the point of the hock. At 
the back part of the leg the tendon of this muscle becomes closely 
associated with the tendon of the flexor pedis perforatus, the two 
forming the tendon of Achilles, or hamstring. 

The flexor pedis perforans of the hind leg originates at the upper 
and back portion of the tibia. Above the hock it becomes tendinous 
and passing down over the inner and back side of the hock is at- 
tached to the OS pedis in the same manner as the perforans of the 
front limb. Action, to extend the hock and to flex the joints below. 

Wide muscles are attached to other structures by broad bands of 
strong wliite tissue instead of by tendons. 

The panniculus carnosus (fly shaker) is a wide flat muscle situated 
on the inner surface of the skin and covering most of the neck, sides 
of the chest, and belly. Action, to shake the skin. 

The principal muscles of the back, loins, and haunches are the 
longissimus dor si, gluteus externus, gluteus maximus, and gluteus 
internus. 

The longissimus dorsi is situated on the upper part of the back and 
loins, and is the largest and most powerful muscle in the body, 
occupying the space on either side of the dorsal and lumbar spines. 
Is broad and fleshy at its origin in the loins and becomes narrower as 
it proceeds forward. It is attached to the front part of the pelvis 
(ilium), first two bones of the sacrum, all of the lumbar and dorsal 
vertebrae, the external surface of the last fifteen or sixteen ribs, and 
to the last three or four cervical vertebrae. Action: It is brought 



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28 THE ARMY HORSE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 

except the teeth. The Hps are the organs of touch as well as of jwe- 
hension (picking up). The soft palate is a curtain suspended between 
the mouth and the pharynx, attached above to the palatine arcJi (the 
back part of the hard palate) ; the lower border is free and rests on 
the floor of the pharynx. Owing to the great size of this curtain, 
the horse is unable to breathe through his mouth. 

The tongue is a movable muscular organ, situated on the floor of 
the mouth between the branches of the lower jaw. It is the special 
organ of taste and at the same time assists in mastication. 

The pharynx has been previously described. 

The esophagus, or gullet, is a muscular tube connecting the pharynx 
to the stomach. 

The stomach is a ])ear-shaped organ situated in the abdominal 
cavity, close to the diaphragm. Its internal, or mucous, coat is 
divided into right and left portions, the left is the cuticular portion 
and is continuous with the mucous membrane of the esophagus, 
which it resembles in structure and appearance, being of a pale white 
color. The right portion, the villous, or true digestive coat, is reddish 
in color, soft, very vascular (filled with blood vessels) and velvety 
looking; it contains the peptic glands which secrete gastric juice. 

The capacity of the stomach of the horse (from 3 to 3^ gallons) is 
small in proportion to his size. 

The intestines are divided into large and small. The small intes- 
tines are continuous with the stomach, rather more than an inch in 
diameter and about 72 feet in length. The large intestines, measur- 
ing about 22 feet in length, extend from the termination of the small 
intestines to the anus, and may be regarded as consisting of four parts, 
the csecuni, great colon, floating colon, and the rectum . 

The membranous lining of the intestines is covered with small pro- 
jections called villi, which absorb the nourishing parts of the food. 
The villi are more numerous in the small intesines than in the large. 

The intestines are supported throughout their entire length by 
strong bands of fibrous tissue (the mesentery) extending from the 
backbone. The mesentery is a part of the peritonemn. 

The CUIUS is the posterior opening of the alimentary canal and lies 
below the root of the tail. It forms a round projection, which 
becomes less prominent with age. 

The liver is the largest secreting organ in the body, weighing from 
10 to 12 pounds. It is situated immediately behind the diaphragm 
and in front of the stomach. The liver secretes a fiuid, called bile or 
gall, which is emptied directly into the small intestines, as the horse is 
not provided with a gall bladder. 

The pancreas (sweetbread) is situated behind the stomach and in 
front of the kidnevs. It is of reddish cream color, and weighs about 



ANATOMY. 29 



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30 THE ARMY HOESE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE, 

17 ounces. Its function is to secrete pancreatic fluid, which is poured 
into the small intestine. 

The spleen is situated on the left side of the stomach. It is pointed 
at the lower end and gradually widens as it extends up to the region 
of the left kidney. The spleen is of a reddish-gray color and in the 
healthy horse weighs from 2 to 4 pounds. In disease, however, it 
may reach an enormous size. 

The function of the spleen is not positively known, but it is believed 
that this organ acts as a storehouse for the supply of blood to the 
stomach during digestion and that it efl^ects some change in the 
blood, many authorities claiming that it forms the white blood cor- 
puscles. (See "Blood.") 

The abdominal cavity is a large, somewhat oval cavity, bounded 
above by the muscles of the back, below by the abdominal muscles, 
and in front by the diaphragm; behind it is continuous with the 
pelvic cavity. The cavity is lined throughout by a serous membrane 
called the peritoneum. 

PHYSIOLOGY OF DIGESTION. 

By physiology is meant a description of the functions or uses of 
certain structures. The physiology of digestion describes the func- 
tions of parts of the digestive apparatus. 

Food, as it passes through the digestive or alimentary canal, is sub- 
jected to a series of mechanical and chemical agencies by which it is, 
in greater or less part, digested and worked up to a condition in 
which it can be absorbed by the appropriate vessels, and, while this 
portion is taken up by the circulation, the effete (worthless) remain- 
der passes on and is discharged. 

The food is taken into the mouth by the lips (preJien^ion) , where 
it is ground up (mastication), and is mixed with saliva. Saliva, 
secreted by the salivary glands in difi'erent parts of the head, acts 
chemically upon the starchy components (parts) of the food and con 
verts them into sugar, which is more readily absorbed. This step is 
called insalivation. 

The next step, deglutition or swallowing, is mechanically per- 
formed by the tongue, pharynx, and esophagus. 

When the food reaches the stomach it is subjected to the next 
step, maceration, a mechanical rolling, mixing, and soaking with the 
gastric juice. During maceration the gastric juice acts chemically 
upon other components (nitrogenous parts), rendering them absorb- 
able. Food in the condition in which it leaves the stomach is called 
chyme. 

In the small intestines the villi take up the absorbable parts 
already prepared, and the remaining nourishing parts are imme- 



ANATOMY. 31 

diately subjected to the chemical action of the bile and pancreatic 
fluid. Chyme, acted upon by these juices, becomes chyle. Passing 
through the great length of the small intestines, nearly all of the 
nourishing parts of the chyle are absorbed, and the residue (remain- 
der) enters the c»cum, which is the water reservoir. (Water re- 
mains in the stomach of the horse only a short time and then passes 
promptly through the small intestines into the csecum.) 

The residue, soaked in water, gives up, in its passage through 
to the rectum, the small amount of nutritive matter that has not pre- 
viously been absorbed. By means of muscular cross ridges in the 
floating colon the efi'ete material is mechanically molded into pellets 
of dung, which are stored in the rectum, whence they are ejected, at 
intervals, through the anus. The ejection is called defecation. 

URINARY SYSTEM. 

(Plate VI.) 

The organs of this system secrete eflete material in the form 
of a watery fluid, called urine, and expel it from the body {urination). 
They are the kidneys, ureters, Madder, and uretJtra, all lined with 
mucous membrane. 

The hidneys are two in number, right and left, situated on either 
side of the spine, immediately below the lumbar vertebrae. Their 
action is to secrete the urine from the blood by a process of filtering. 
Each kidney has a tube or duct, called the ureter, which carries the 
urine to the storage reservoir, the bladder. This muscular organ, by 
contraction, discharges the urine, at intervals, through a tube called 
the urethra, which extends to the head of the i^enis. 

The normal amount of urine secreted in twenty-four hours and 
expelled through the penis varies from 3 to 6 quarts. The color 
in health is yellowish. 

CIRCULATION. 

(Plate VII.) 

The organs which convey the blood throughout the bod}^ are 
the heart, arteries, capillaries, and veins. 

The heart is a hollow organ, made up of involuntary muscles, and 
inclosed in a serous sac called pericardiuin; it is situated between the 
lungs, in the thoracic cavity, and averages about 6^^ pounds in w^eight. 
It is divided into two parts, right and left, separated by a muscular 
wall. Each part contains two cavities, one above the other, the 
upper called the auricle and the lower the ventricle. The cavities are 
connected by openings, which are guarded by valves to prevent a 
back flow of the blood. 
5417—09 3 



32 THE AKMY HOESE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 

Arteries are hollow structures or tubes, conveyinf^ the blood away 
from the heart, and veins are similar structures, bringing it back to 
the heart. The walls of the tubes are thicker in arteries than in 
veins. Veins have valves; arteries have none. Veins as well as 
arteries branch off and diminish in size as they extend from the 
heart. 

The smallest arteries are connected with the smallest veins by 
minute vessels called capillaries, which are to be found in the tissue 
throughout the body. They are too small to be seen with the 
naked eye. 

Blood. 

The blood is a fluid which is the medium by which nutritive mate- 
rial is conveyed to all tissues of the body. It is an opaque, thickish, 
clammy fluid, with a peculiar odor and sickly, saline (salty) taste. 
Its color varies in different parts of the same animal, that in the 
arteries being a bright red or scarlet, while that in the veins is a dark 
purple. 

Blood is composed of red blood corpuscles, or cells, and white 
blood corpuscles, floating in a watery liquid called serum, which 
contains the nutrient material absorbed by digestion, and certain 
salts. 

The red cells convey the oxygen, and their presence in countless 
numbers gives the bright-red color to the fluid. The white cor- 
puscles act as a protection to all parts of the body in case of disease 
or injury; they assist in the repair of injured tissue and destroy or 
check invading germs. Blood cells can be seen only with the aid 
of the microscope. 

Circuit of the blood. 

The heart, from the action of its involuntary muscles, may be 
likened to a force pump. The blood from the veins, venous or 
impure blood, entering the right auricle of the heart, is pumped 
into the right ventricle and thence through the pulmonary 
artery (lung artery) into the lungs. 

In the lungs the pulmonary artery branches into small arteries 
and then into capillaries which surround the air cells. Here the 
blood gives off carbonic acid gas and receives its purifying supply of 
oxygen. The purified blood passes from the capillaries into the 
small veins, which unite in the pulmonary veins leading back to the 
left auricle. 

The arterial, pure, or bright-red blood is then pumped into the left 
ventricle and thence into the arteries, small arteries, and capillaries. 
In these last vessels it gives up the oxygen supply to the tissues and 
receives the impure carbonic acid gas, which causes it to change 



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34 THE AEMY HOESE I:N^ ACCIDENT AXD DISEASE. 

color. The dark impure blood is then collected through the small 
veins into the larger veins and thence into the right auricle from 
which it started. Tliis round or circuit, which is constantly going 
on, gives rise to the name circulation. 

It has been stated that arteries convey the blood away from 
the heart and that veins return it. In supplying the body, arteries 
carry pure blood and veins carry impure blood. Allien, however, 
the impure blood is sent to the lungs for purification, it is conveyed 
in an artery and the pure blood returns in a vein. These tiuo important 
exceptions must be carefully noted. 

Arterial ramification. 

The large artery given off from the left ventricle of the heart 
is the common aorta, which passes upward and forward for 2 or 3 
inches and divides into the anterior aorta and the posterior aorta, 
supplying, respectiveh', the fore and liind portions of the body. 

The anterior aorta is very short (1 or 2 inches), passes upward and 
forward under the trachea and between the lungs, and divides into 
the right and left brachial arteries, each supplying blood to one of the 
fore limbs and its neighboring muscles. 

The rigJtt hrachial artery gives off a large branch, called the com- 
mon carotid. There is no corresponding branch of the left brachial. 
The common carotid is short and immediately divides into two 
branches, 7nght and left carotids, which pass up the neck, at first 
under the trachea and then on either side; they follow the trachea 
to the tlu"oat, where they divide into branches, supplying the head. 

The brachial arteries contmue toward the front part of the thorax, 
winding around the first ribs, and divide into branches, supplying the 
fore limbs. The main branch of each is here named the humeral 
artery. 

The humeral artery descends along the inner side of the humei-us, 
and just above the elbow joint divides into the anterior and posterior 
radial arteries. 

The anterior radial descends over the front surface of the elbow 
joint, passes down in front of the radius, and approaches the knee 
below the extensor pedis muscle, where it divides into numerous 
branches, supplying blood to the surrounding tissues. The posterior 
radial is a continuation of the humeral artery, passing down the inner 
side of the fore leg, inclinmg back and dividmg at the lower end of 
the radius into the large and small inetacarpal arteries. 

The small metacarpal passes outward from the inner and back part 
of the knee and, runnmg dowTiward, supplies nourishment to the 
surrounding tissues. The large metacarpal is a continuation of the 
posterior radial. It runs do^^^l the back of the knee, in company 
with the flexor tendon; above the fetlock it passes between the 



ANATOMY. 35 

tendon and the suspensoiy ligament, dividing into the external and 
internal digital arteries, which supply the foot. 

The study of the digital arteries will be taken up later, when the 
student has a more extended knowledge of the bones and of the 
elastic and sensitive stmctures of the foot. 

We will now return to the posterior aorta. The 'posterior aorta is 
larger and longer than the anterior. It begms at about the level of 
the fourth dorsal vertebra, passes upward and backward, and reaches 
the left side of the spine just below the sixth or seventh dorsal verte- 
bra. It then passes straight back into the abdominal cavit}^ and 
terminates in the lumbar region below the last lumbar vertebra. 
Durmg its passage to this point it gives off branches to the muscles 
of the ribs, to the lungs for their nourishment, to the abdominal 
organs, and to the muscles of the loins. Below the last lumbar 
vertebra it divides into four branches, the right and left external and 
internal iliacs, which supply blood to the hind extremities. 

The internal iliacs are short thick trunks which soon break up into 
several branches to the muscles of the hind quarters. The external 
iliacs, with their continuations, are the mam arteries of the hind legs. 
Each, as previously stated, begins below the last lumbar vertebra, 
curves obliquely outward and do^^■nward, giving off branches, and, 
near the head of the femur, receives the name of femoral artery. 

The femoral artery is the artery of the thigh. Just above the l)ack 
of the stifle joint it divides into two branches, the anterior and jjos- 
terior tibial, the latter suppl3'ing the Ijack part of the gaskin and hock 
with nourishment, wliile the former winds forward between the tibia 
and fibula to the fore part of the leg, gaming it midway between the 
stifle and the hock. At the hock it passes obhquely outward, cross- 
ing the joint, and becomes the great metatarsal artery at the upper and 
outer ])art of the metatarsus. The great metatarsal passes under the 
small splint bone and gains the back part of the cannon, then, passing 
down the leg, it divides just below the fork of the suspensory ligament 
into two branches, the external and internal digitals, which will be 
studied later. 

The involuntary muscles of the heart receive their blood supph^ 
from two small arteries, right and left coronary, which branch off at 
the beginning of the common aorta. 

Veins. 

Veins are usually found accompanying the arteries of the body and 
bearing similar names; there are several important exceptions, 
three of which will be here noted, namely, the anterior vena cava, 
jugular, and posterior vena cava. 

The anterior vena cava is the large, short vein, formed b}' numerous 
branches, returning the blood from the head, the neck, the fore leg, 



36 THE ARMY HORSE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 

and part of the chest. It is located in the front part of the thorax, 
below the trachea, and between the right and left pleurae, and empties 
into the right auricle. 

The jugular veins (right and left) are the largest branches of the 
anterior vena cava and collect the blood from the head an;! neighbor- 
ing parts. Just below and back of the lower jaw they approach the 
carotid arteries and run down the neck in their company. Each 
jugular is outside of the corresponding carotid and the two are sepa- 
rated by a thin muscle. The jugular veins in their tlescent follow 
grooves at the side of the neck (jugular furrows), and at first are 
close to the surface and easily felt; they soon take a dee])er course, 
running beneath the panniculus carnosus muscle. They enter the 
front part of the thorax, where they empty into the anterior vena 
cava just in front of the heart. 

The posterior vena cava is the main vein returning the blood from 
the hind parts and from the abdominal and pelvic organs. It corre- 
sponds to the posterior aorta, wliich, as has been seen, is the main 
artery carrying the blood to these parts. This vein is formed at the 
front part of the pelvis and runs forward under the lumbar vertebra, 
accompanying the posterior aorta, which is at its left. When it 
reaches the upper border of the liver it inclines downward and passes 
through a notch or fissure of that organ. Thence it passes through 
the diaphragm into the thoracic cavity; here it follows a groove on 
the upper surface of the right lung and then enters the right auricle 
of the heart. 

The important veins of the foot will be discussed later. 

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM. 

The lymphatic or absorbent system resembles the system of blood 
veins with which it is connected. The main part of the system col- 
lects surplus lymph (to be described later) and returns it to the blood ; 
a smaller part has the same function, but, in addition, absorbs and 
collects ch3de and adds it to the blood. 

When the blood in its circuit reaches the capillaries the serum 
oozes through their thin walls into the minute spaces in the surround- 
ing tissues and there receives the name of lymph. This colorless 
fluid bathes and nourishes the tissues and takes up worn-out material. 
The spaces in the tissues assemble into minute, delicate, and trans- 
parent vessels (lymphatics), which are remarkable for their knotted 
appearance, due to numerods valves. The vessels join and increase 
in size, like veins, and through them flows the surplus lymph with 
its collected waste material. 

The vessels of the right fore extremity, the right side of the head, 
neck, and thorax, form tubes uniting in a main trunk, called the 
right lymphatic vein, which leads into the anterior vena cava; the 



1 



ANATOMY, 37 

vessels from the remainder of the body unite in a trunk called the 
thoracic duct, which begins in the lumbar region, passes forward 
beneath the lumbar and dorsal vertebrae, and empties into the anterior 
vena cava just in front of the heart. 

Each of the villi of the intestines contains a minute vessel called 
a lacteal, which absorbs chyle and receives its name from the lacteal 
or milky appearance of that fluid. These vesesls of the smaller lym- 
phatic system unite and form larger tubes which empty into the 
receiitaculum chyli (chyle reservoir), which is a part of the thoracic 
duct of the larger system. 

It will thus be seen that the lymph with its waste material and 
the chyle with its nutrient material are mixed and poured into the 
impure blood. The lymph and chyle are taken up into the serum 
and the waste material is thrown off from the circulating blood by 
the lungs, sldn, and Iddneys. 

Lymph, therefore, makes a circuit very much as blood does. 

To simplify the explanation of the system, the lymphatic glands 
have not been mentioned. 

Glands are organs, the function of which is to separate certain 
substances from the blood, which are either to be used in the animal's 
system or to be thrown off as waste material. 

The lymphatic glands are so placed that the lymphatic vessels 
pass through them in their course toward the main trunks. These 
glands act as filters and remove any infective material from the 
lymph and also supply lymph corpuscles, which are identical with 
the white corpuscles of the blood. 

Wlien the glands are situated near diseased structures, an amount 
of infected material lodges in the glands, greater than can be over- 
come by the lymph corpuscles, and, in consequence, inflammation 
and swelling of the glands result. 

ANATOMY OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. 

A nerve consists of a bundle of tubular fibers, held together by 
dense connective tissue; the nerve fibers form a conducting appara- 
tus, to convey impulses of sensation and to transmit impulses of 
motion. 

The nervous system is divided into two minor systems, the cerebro- 
spinal, which is to a considerable extent influenced by the wiU of 
the animal, and the sympathetic, which is not directly influenced by 
the will. 

In the first the center is made up of two portions, the brain and 
the spinal cord. 

The brain is situated in the cranial cavity; the spinal cord is 
elongated and continuous with the brain and is situated in the canal 
of the vertebral column. 



38 



THE ARMY HOESE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 



The communicating portion of this system consists of the cerebro- 
spinal nerves, which leave the brain and spinal cord in symmetrical 
pairs, and are distributed to the voluntary muscles, to the organs of 
common sensation, and to those of special sense. 

The sympathetic system consists of a double chain of ganglia 
(small brains), extending from the head to the coccyx, one chain 
along each side of the spine, and the two chains connected by nerve 
cords. The ganglia are also connected to branches of the cerebro- 
spinal nerves, thus uniting the two systems. The nerves of the s^^m- 
pathetic system are distributed to the involuntary muscles, mucous 
membranes, internal organs, and blood vessels. 



ANATOMY OF THE EYE. 



(Plate VIII.) 

The eye is the organ of sight and is situated in the orbital cavity. 
It is spherical in shape and is filled with fluid. The front portion. 



PLATE VIII. 




Section of the eye. 

c, Cornea; e, eyelids; /, fluid; i, iris; I, crystalline lens; o, optic nerve; p, pupil; r, retina. 

called the cornea, is perfectly clear and admits the light to the back 
part of the eye, where it strikes the retina, an expansion of the optic 
nerve; through this nerve impressions are conveyed to the brain. 
The colored portion or iris, situated behind the cornea, acts as a cur- 
tain, regulating the amount of light admitted through the central 
opening, which is called the pwpil. The crystalline lens is a small 
transparent body situated immediately behind the pupil; it is thick 
in the center and tapers toward the edges. Its function is to draw 
the rays of light to a focus on the retina. Wlien the lens is diseased 
and no light can pass through, the animal is said to have a cataract. 
The eyelids are two movable curtains, superior and inferior, which 
protect the eye. Tlie membrana nictitans, or accessory eyelid (haw), 
is situated near the inner angle between the lids and the eyeball. 



ANATOMY. 39 

This membrane acts like a finger in the removal of foreign bodies 
from the eye. The conjunctiva is a continuous mucous membrane 
covering the cornea and haw and lining the e3^elids. 

The fluid between the lens and the cornea (called "(ujueous") is 
watery, while that between the lens and the retina (called "vitreous'') 
is thicker and like the white of a raw egg. 

The outer covering (seen when the animal shows the white of the 
eye) is a fibrous tissue called the sclerotic coat. Between it and the 
retina, is a delicate, dark colored tissue containing the blood vessels 
and known as the choroid coat. 

ANATOMY OF THE SKIN. 

The skin consists primarily of two parts: The outer, nonvascular 
layer, called the cuticle or epidermis, and the deep vascular layer, 
called the corium, dermis, or true skin. 

The epidermis is a scaly covering. The true skin or dermis lies 
immediately under the epidermis, is much thicker, and contains the 
roots of the hair, the sweat glands, and the sebaceous glands. 

Sweat glands are simple tubes extending from the deeper layers of 
the skin to the surface of the body and pouring out perspiration, 
which carries with it certain waste materials from the system. The 
evaporation of sweat cools the body and assists in regulating its tem- 
perature. 

Sebaceous glands secrete an oily fluid. On parts of the skin which 
are subjected to much friction these glands pour their oil directly 
upon the outer surface, as in the sheath, the back of the pastern 
joints, etc. Usually, however, the glands open into the hair follicles 
or sacs, and the oily secretion gives gloss to the hair, prevents it 
becoming dry and brittle, and keeps the surrounding skin soft and 
supple. 

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF THE FOOT. 

(Plate IX.) 

The horse's foot is composed of three parts, viz: The bony frame- 
work or skeleton, completed by certain elastic structures of cartilage 
and fat; the layer of highly sensitive flesh (quick), which covers the 
framework; and the box or case of horn, called the hoof, which 
incloses and protects the above-mentioned structures. 

Bones of the foot. 

The bones of the pastern region and foot form a column extending 
downward from the fetlock into the hoof, and, as previousl}'- stated, 
are named as follows: Os suffraginis (long pastern bone), os coronse 
(short pastern bone), os pedis (coffin bone), and os navicularis (shuttle 
bone) . 



40 THE ARMY HOKSE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 



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ANATOMY. 41 

The OS suffraginis is about one-third as long as the cannon bone 
(the bone extending from the knee or hock to the fetlock) and reaches 
from the fetlock joint above to the pastern joint below; its superior 
extremity shows a shallow cavity on each sitle, separated in the 
middle by a deep groove, and into this surface fits the lower end of 
the cannon bone. The inferior extremity is much smaller and nar- 
rower than the upper; on each side is a small convex surface, the 
two surfaces separated in the middle by a shallow groove. This 
extremity meets the upper end of the os coronge and forms the pastern 
joint. 

The OS coronse follows the direction of the os suffraginis downward 
and forward and lies between the pastern and coffin joints, its lower 
end being within the hoof. 

Its superior surface shows a shallow cavity on each side, with a 
ridge between them to fit the lower end of the os suffraginis. The 
lower surface of this bone shows a convex part on each side, sepa- 
rated by a groove, to fit the upper surface of the coffin bone in the 
coffin joint. 

The OS pedis is an irregular bone, situated within the hoof and is 
similar to it in shape. 

The anterior surface is known as the vjall surface; it shows a num- 
ber of small openings, called foramina, for the passage of blood vessels 
and nerves, and is roughened to give attachment to the soft parts 
{sensitive laminse) covering it. At the top of this surface, in front, is 
a ridge called the pyramidal process, to which is attached the extensor 
pedis tendon. 

The lower surface, called the sole, is half-moon-shaped, concave 
and smooth, and is covered by the sensitive sole. The upper surface 
helps to form the coffin joint and is called the articular surface; it 
shows two shallow cavities, separated by a ridge. 

Just back of the articular surface is a small triangular surface to fit 
the navicular bone behind. 

Just back of the sole is a rough surface, to which is attached the 
flexor pedis perforans tendon; it is called the tendinous surface. 

On each side of this surface is a groove running forward and termi- 
nating in an opening, called the plantar foramen; an artery and a 
nerve enter the bone and a vein leaves it through this opening. 

On each side of the os pedis, extending backward, is a prolongation, 
called the wing. Each wing is divided by a notch and then by a 
groove, which runs forward on the outside of the bone; an artery lies 
in the notch and groove. 

The OS navicularis is an irregular bone situated behind and below 
the OS coronse and behind the os pedis, articulating with both bones. 
Its long axis is perpendicular to the axis of the foot. The extremi- 
ties of the bone are attached to the wings of the os pedis ; the inferior 



42 THE ARMY HORSE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 

surface is covered with cartilage, which forms a smooth surface for 
the movements of the tendon of the flexor pedis perforans muscle. 

Elastic structures of tlie foot. 

All of the parts of the foot, except the bones, are more or less elastic 
or "springy" and yield when pressure is applied; but certain parts 
have a very high degree of elasticity, their special use being to over- 
come the effects of concussion or jar when the foot strikes the ground 
and to prevent injury, and these parts are referred to as the elastic 
structures of the foot. They are the lateral cartilages and plantar 
cushion, or fatty frog, as it is sometimes called. 

The lateral cartilages are thin plates of cartilage, one attached to 
the top of each wing of the os pedis, and extending backward and 
upward so far that their upper borders may be felt under the skin 
above the coronet at the heels. 

The plantar cushion is a very elastic wedge-shaped pad, which fills 
up the space between the two lateral cartilages on the sides, the sen- 
sitive frog below, and the flexor pedis perforans tendon above. 

The point or anterior part of the plantar cushion extends forward 
to the ridge which separates the sole from the tendinous surface of 
the OS pedis. The base is covered by the skin above the heels. 

Sensitive structures of tJte foot. 

Over the bones and elastic structures of the foot is found a com- 
plete covering of very sensitive flesh, and from each part of this cover- 
ing some part of the hoof is secreted or formed. The divisions of this 
layer of flesh are called the sensitive parts or structures of the foot. 
They are the coronanj land, sensitive laminx, sensitive sole, sensitive 
frog, and the coronanj frog hand. 

The coronary hand is a thick convex band of tough flesh, about four- 
fifths of an inch wide, and extends entirely around the top of the hoof 
from one bulb of the heel to the other; in front it is attached to the 
extensor pedis tendon, and on the sides to ligaments of the coffin joint, 
to the lower end of the os corona^, and to the lateral cartilages. The 
surface of the coronary band is covered with small pointed projections 
or villi. The coronary band secretes or forms the principal part 
(middle layer) of the wall of the hoof. 

The sensitive laminse, (fleshy leaves) cover and are firmly attached 
to the anterior or wall surface of the os pedis and to the lower part of 
the outer surface of the lateral cartilages. These delicate leaves of 
the flesh dovetail into the horny laminje which they secrete and, with 
them, serve to fasten the wall of the hoof to the os pedis and to the 
lateral cartilages. 

The sensitive sole covers the sole surface of the os pedis, is covered 
with villi, and secretes the horny sole. 



^ 



ANATOMY, 43 

The sensitive frog covers the lower face of the plantar cushion, and 
from its villi the horny frog is secreted. 

The coronary frog hand or perioplic ring is a narrow band of flesh 
running around just above the coronary band and separated from it 
by a faint groove. From the fine villi on the surface of this ring the 
delicate fibers grow which form the periople. 

The hoof. 

The box or case of horn, called the hoof, which incloses and protects 
the other structures of the foot, is divided into three parts — wall, 
sole, and/rogf. In a healthy foot these parts are solidly united. 

The wall is the part seen when the foot is on the ground; it extends 
from the edge of the hair to the ground and is divided into the toe, 
quarters, heels, and bars; it has an internal surface, an external surface, 
and an upper and a lower border. 

The toe is the front part of the wall. It is steeper in the hind foot 
than in the fore. The quarters extend backward from the toe to the 
heels. The heel or buttress is that part of the wall where it bends 
inward and forward, and the har is the division of the wall running 
from the heel to within about 1 inch of the point or apex of the frog. 
It lies between the horny sole and the frog. 

The external surface of the wall is covered by a thin varnish-like 
coat of fine horn, called the periople. 

The internal surface of the wall is covered by from 500 to 600 thin 
plates or leaves of horn, called the horny laminse. Between the 
horny lamin<ie, which run parallel to each other and in a direction 
downward and forward, there are fissures into which dovetail the 
sensitive laminae, and this union, as previously stated, binds the wall 
of the hoof to the os pedis and lateral cartilages. 

The upper border of the wall shows a deep groove (coronary groove) 
into which fits the coronary band. 

The lower border is called the ''bearing edge" (or "spread" in the 
unshod foot) and is the part to which the shoe is fitted. 

The horny sole is a thick plate of horn, somewhat half-moon-shaped, 
and has two surfaces and two borders. 

The upper surface is convex (round or bulging upward) and is in 
union with the sensitive sole from which the horny sole grows. The 
lower surface is concave or hollowed out and is covered with scales or 
crusts of dead horn, which gradually loosen and fall off. 

The outer border of the sole joins the mner part of the lower border 
of the wall by means of a ring of soft horn, called the white line. This 
mark or line is sometimes called the guide line, as it shows where the 
nail should be started in shoeing. 

The inner border is a V-shaped notch and is in union with the bars, 
except at its narrow part where it joins the frog. 



44 THE ARMY HOESE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 

The horny sole protects the sensitive sole and does not, in a healthy 
foot, bear weight, except a very narrow border at the white line, an 
eighth or tenth of an inch in width. 

The horny frog is the wedge-shaped mass of horn filling up the tri- 
angular space l)etween the bars. The lower face shows two prominent 
ridges, separated behind by a cavity, called the deft, and joining in 
front at the apex or point of the frog; these ridges terminate behind in 
the bulbs of the frog. Between the sides of the frog and the bars are 
two cavities, called the commissures. The upper surface of the horny 
frog is the exact reverse of the lower and shows in the middle a ridge 
of horn, called the frog stay, which assists in forming a firm union be- 
tween the horny and sensitive frog. The horny frog serves to break 
the jar or concussion by acting as a cushion or pad; it protects the 
sensitive frog and prevents the foot from slipping. 

Structure of horn. 

The horn of the hoof presents a fibrous appearance and consists 
of very fme horn fibers or tubes, similar to hairs, running downward 
and forward and held together by a cementing substance. The 
horn fibers of wall, sole, and frog all run in the same direction, down- 
ward and forward, the only difference being that those of the frog 
are much finer and softer and run in wavy lines, whereas the fibers 
of wall and sole are straight. 

The horn fibers grow from the small villi, which cover the surfaces 
of the coronary band, sensitive sole, and sensitive frog. 

Circulation of hlood through the foot. 

In previous study of the arteries we have seen that the large 
metacarpal of the fore leg and the great metatarsal of the hind leg 
each divides just above the fetlock into two branches. These 
branches are called the external and internal digital arteries, one on 
the inner and one on the outer side of the fetlock joint. They 
follow the borders of the flexor tendons downward and terminate 
inside of the wings of the os pedis. Each of the internal and external 
digital arteries gives off five branches — the perpendicular, transverse, 
artery of the frog, pre plantar ungual, and plantar ungual. 

The perpendicular artery is given off at right angles about the 
middle of the os suffraginis, descends on the side of the pastern, 
bends forward and joins with the artery of the same name from the 
opposite side and forms the superficial coronary arch. From this 
arch branches descend to the coronary band. 

The transverse artery conies ofi" under the upper border of the lateral 
cartilage, runs forward, and joins its fellow from the opposite side 
between the extensor pedis tendon and the os coronge. The deep 



ANATOMY. 45 

coronary arch is the name given t(j this arrangement of the arteries, 
and branches from this arch also siippl}^ the coronary band. 

The artery of the frog rises behind the pastern joint at the upper 
border of the lateral cartilage. It has two branches — a posterior, 
which runs back and supplies the bulb of the heel, and an anterior, 
which runs forward and dowTiward through the plantar cushion and 
supplies the sensitive frog. 

The pre plantar ungual artery is given off inside the wing of the os 
pedis, passes through the preplantar notch, and runs forward along 
the preplantar groove on the side of the bone. It helps supply the 
sensitive lamina3 with blood and sends some small branches into the 
bone to join branches from other arteries. 

The plantar ungual artery is the terminal or last branch of the 
digital artery (is a continuation of that artery) and enters the os 
pedis at the plantar foramen. 

The two plantar ungual arteries run forward within the bone and 
unite to form the circulus arteriosus. From this circle spring ascend- 
ing and descending branches. The ascending branches, called the 
anterior laminal arteries, leave the bone through the small openings 
(foramina) and supply the sensitive laminse in front. The descending 
branches, called the inferior communicating arteries, are about fourteen 
in number and emerge from the bone by the openings just above its 
lower edge; they unite to form a large trunk, running around the toe 
of the OS pedis, called the circumflex artery, and this artery gives off 
ascending and descending branches. The ascending branches pass 
into the sensitive lamina?, and the descending branches, called the 
solar arteries, numbering about fourteen, nin backward through the 
sensitive sole to form a second circle, called the inferior circumflex 
artery. 

The veins of the foot are arranged in networks, each network or 
plexus, named from the parts in which it is located. The solar plexus 
is found nmning all through the sensitive sole. The laminal plexus 
runs through and under the sensitive laminae. The coronary plexus 
surrounds the os coronse and upper part of the os pedis, just under 
the coronary band. 

The veins of the frog are those found in the plantar cushion and 
sensitive frog; the interosseous veins form a network within the os 
pedis. The veins of the foot all unite above to form a large tmnk, 
called the digital vein, which runs along the digital artery and carries 
the blood back toward the heart. The veins of the foot are valveless 
below the middle of the pastern, an arrangement which allows the 
blood to flow in either direction when pressure is appUed and thus 
prevents injury. 



46 THE ARMY HOESE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 

Nerves of the foot. 

The nerves of the foot supply feehng; or the sense of touch to the 
parts. The large nerve cord on either side of the limb divides at the 
fetlock joint into three branches, called the digital nerves — the 
anterior, the posterior, and the middle. 

The anterior digital nerve passes downward and forward and sup- 
plies the anterior or front part of the foot. 

The posterior digital nerve, the largest of the three, passes down 
behind the digital artery to supply the structures in the posterior part 
of the foot. It gives off a branch which passes through the notch in 
the wing of the os pedis (in company with the preplantar ungual 
artery) to supply some of the sensitive laminae; it also sends branches 
into the os pedis with the plantar ungual artery. 

The middle branch is very small, is said to always join the anterior 
branch, and supplies the sensitive sole and fetlock pad. 

The functions of most of the parts of the foot have been mentioned 
in passing, but there are some points in connection with the physi- 
ology of the foot which need to be explained more in detail. 

Expansion and contraction. 

When weight comes upon the leg, the os pedis descends slightly 
and causes the sole to descend and flatten. The plantar cushion 
and horny frog are compressed between the ground below and the 
structures above; this compression causes them to spread out side- 
wise, carrying outward the lateral cartilages and bars and the wall 
at the quarters. This is called expansion. When weight is removed 
from the leg, the plantar cushion becomes thicker and narrower, and 
the lateral cartilages and quarters move inward to where they were 
before expanding. This is called contraction. The elastic lateral 
cartilage is merely a flexible extension of the wing of the os pedis and 
would appear to have been specially designed for expansion and con- 
traction at the quarters. It is also to be noted that the bars are a 
provision for this same purpose, since expansion and contraction 
could not take place if the wall formed a solid unbroken ring around 
the hoof. 

In addition to breaking the jar w^hen the foot comes to the ground, 
the plantar cushion has another important use. It assists in the 
circulation of the blood through the veins of the foot. When weight 
is placed upon the foot the pressure on the plantar cushion forces the 
blood upward through the veins; then, when the foot is lifted and 
the pressure is removed from the horny frog and plantar cushion, 
the veins of the frog again fill with blood, and this pumping action is 
repeated with each step. Proof of this statement is seen when a 
digital vein is cut, by accident or in experiment. If the horse is 
walked, a jet of blood spurts out each time he puts the foot to the 
ground; but if he is allowed to stand the blood flows in a steady 



ANATOMY, 47 

stream from the vein. Great injury to the foot results from starting 

the horse off suddenly at a fast gait on a hard road after he has been 

standing for some time or when he first comes out of the stable. The 

circulation (just explained) and the structures of the foot should 

have time to gradually adapt themselves to the change from rest to 

severe work. 

Moisture. 

The wall of the healthy hoof, is, by weight, about one-fourth water, 
the sole more than one-third, and the frog almost one-half. This 
water is supplied by the blood and preserves the horn in a tough and 
elastic condition. The hoof, particularly the frog, is capable of 
absorbing moisture from the ground. The periople, which covers 
the wall, prevents the evaporation of water, and therefore should 
never be rasped. As there is no similar covering for the sole and 
the frog, the layers of horn on their exposed surfaces dry out and 
die. The dead layers are hard and brittle, and gradually fall or flake 
off; but, as they preserve the moisture in the layers of live horn 
beneath, they should not be removed in preparing the hoof for 
shoeing. 

Shoeing. 

Shoeing is a necessary evil, but by remembering the functions of 
the various parts of the foot the damage resulting may be limited to 
a comparatively small amount. 

The following rules may serve as a guide for the shoeing of healthy 
feet: 

1. The wall, being the weight bearer, should be rasped perfectly 
level or the foot will be thrown out of its true position, causing extra 
strain on some of the ligaments. 

2. Fit the shoe accurately to the outline of the foot; do not alter 
the latter to fit the shoe. Rasping away the exterior of the crust to 
fit the shoe not only renders the horn brittle but is so much loss of 
bearing surface. 

3. The sole should not be touched with the knife; loose flakes 
may be removed with a blunt instrument. 

4. The bars should not be cut away; they are a part of the wall 
and intended to carry weight. The shoe should rest on them. 

5. The frog should not be cut, but left to attain its full growth. 
No frog can perform its functions unless on a level with the ground 
surface of the shoe. 

6. The shoe should have a true and level bearing and rest well 
and firmly on the wall and bars. 

A plain light-weight shoe is the best — plam on both ground and 
foot surface. 

7. High nailing is injurious; do not use any more nails than are 
absolutely necessary, as the nails destroy the horn. 

5417—09 4 



CHAPTER IV. 



ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINES— WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 

ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINES. 

Medicines may enter the body through any of the following 
designated channels: First, by the mouth; second, by the lungs 
and upper air passages; third, by the skin; fourth, under the skin 
(hypodermically) ; fifth, by the rectum; and sixth, by intravenous 
injection. 

By the mouth.. — Medicines can be given by the. mouth in the form 
of powders, balls, and drenches. 

By the air passages. — Medicines are administered to the hmgs 
and upper air passages by inhalations and nasal douches. 

By the shin. — Care must be taken in applying some medicines 
over too large a portion of the body at any one time, as poisoning 
and death may follow from too rapid absorption through the skin. 
For domestic animals medicines are to be applied to the skin for 
local purposes or diseases only. 

By the rectum. — Medicines may be given by the rectum when we 
can not give or have them retained by the mouth; when we want 
local action; to destroy the small worms infesting the large bowels; 
to stimulate the natural movement of the intestine and cause an 
evacuation; and to nourish the body. 

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 

Solid measure. o. 

60 grains (gr.) 1 dram (5)- 

8 drams 1 ounce (g). 

16 ounces 1 pound (lb.). 

Liquid measure. 

60 minims (min.) 1 fluid dram (f. 5)- 

8 fluid drams 1 fluid ounce (f. 5). 

16 fluid ounces 1 pint (O.). 

32 fluid ounces 1 quart (Oii.). 

4 quarts 1 gallon (Ci.). 

« The difference in weight between the apothecaries' ounce (480 grains) and the 
ounce avoirdupois (437.5 grains) is neglected in handling veterinary or bulky medi- 
cines. 

48 



WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. • 49 

PRESCRIPTIONS. 

In writing prescriptions, Roman numerals are used instead of 
Arabic (ordinary figures) and the numerals follow the symbols, 
thus: 3 vii for 7 drams; f 5 xii for 12 fluid drams, etc. S. S. signifies 
one half, thus: 3 ii s. s. for 2 J drams. 

FIELD EXPEDIENTS. 

In garrison, doses must be accurately measured by scales or 
graduates, according to the tables of dry or liquid measure, but 
in the field the following rough expedients may be used : 

Dry measure. 

II ounce of lead acetate. 
f ounce of zinc sulphate. 
2 drams of a powder. 
1 ounce of a salt. 

Ordnance tin cup | of a quart. 

Full day's ration of medium-weight oats. 14 cups. 

Liquid measure. 

A drop 1 minim. 

A teaspoonf ul 1 fluid dram. 

A tablespoonful ^ fluid ounce. 

Tin cup 28 ounces=| of a quart. 



CHAPTER V. 



WOUNDS, SPRAINS, BRUISES, ABRASIONS, AND ABSCESSES. 

WOUNDS AND THEIR TREATMENT. 

Wounds (separations of the soft tissues) are classed as: Incised 
wounds, or cuts ; lacerated wounds, or tears ; and punctured wounds, or 
holes. 

A dressing is a local, periodically repeated treatment, producing 
a continued action, and often following the performance of an opera- 
tion. It is the application upon the surface of the wound of healing 
substances, which, in some cases, are mechanically held in place by 
bandages, stitches, etc. 

Before applying a dressing the wound should be thoroughly 
cleansed and freed from blood, pus, the remains of previous dressing, 
and, in a word, of any foreign or other substances capable of becoming 
sources of irritation. This is best done with water, but the effect is 
frequently greatly improved by combining with it some of the anti- 
septics, such as carbolic acid, creolin, bichloride of mercur}^, etc. 

Antiseptics are remedies which prevent putrefaction, or rotting, 
and their combinations with water are called solutions. 

The solution may be applied by carefully passing a saturated 
ball of oakum over the surface of the wound, or it may be used more 
freely in larger ablutions (washings). Crusts or scabs, if present, 
may be removed with the scissors or scraped away with the knife, 
but the finger nails must never be used for such a purpose, for the 
practice is both filthy and dangerous. The wound is to be handled 
only when necessary; all needless handling irritates. If the wound 
is deep, it should be cleansed by syringing. 

The essential condition of cleanliness applies not only to the wound 
but also to the materials used for dressings, and soiled cloths or 
bandages and dirty oakum must be rigorously rejected; everything 
coming in contact with a wound must be absolutely clean, hands as 
well as instruments and dressings. Instruments, however, should 
never be immersed in the bichloride solution, which rapidly corrodes 
metal. 
50 



WOUNDS, SPRAINS, BRUISES, ABRASIONS, AND ABSCESSES. 51 

In the treatment of all wounds cleanliness is of more impor- 
tance than medication, but the two in combination, when thoroughly 
and intelligently carried out, will leave no room for the propagation 
and ravages of those germs that cause the formation of pus and 
retard the healing process. The farrier, or the man who is to care 
for the injured animal, should have his hands thoroughly clean, and 
should procure in a clean can or bucket a solution of creolin or other 
antiseptic, and several clean pieces of cotton, gauze, or oakum. 
Sponges are cleaned with difficulty and should not be used. 

If hemorrhage (bleeding) is profuse the first step is to arrest the 
flow of blood by ligating (tying) the blood vessel or vessels with a 
piece of silk, or if none is at hand, with a clean piece of string; if 
the blood vessels can not be tied, a thick pad made of cotton or of 
several layers of gauze or clean cloth, folded so as to cover the wound, 
and held firmly in place by one or more cotton bandages, will check 
the flow of blood. This arrangement, called a compress, should be 
left on until the hemorrhage ceases, and the wound treated as de- 
scribed later. 

In applying dressings (except compresses) unnecessary pressure 
should be avoided, especially on the soft tissues. 

Incised wounds. — If the injury is one that can be sutured (sewed) 
a needle and silk should be immersed in a solution of creolin — creolin 
1 part, water 50 parts; the hair around the wound should either be 
shaved or be clipped with a pair of shears, and the wound thoroughly 
cleansed by washing it with cotton saturated with the creolin solu- 
tion; all dirt and hair must be removed, all ragged edges, if any, 
cut away, and the edges of the wound placed in contact with each 
other if possible and held in place by the aid of sutures, care being 
taken to allow free drainage; the wound should then be wiped dry 
with a fresh piece of cotton or gauze, and over the surface should be 
dusted some iodoform or acetanilid. If the location will permit, 
the wound should be covered with a pad of gauze or absorbent cotton, 
and a cotton bandage wrapped around the parts to hold the pad in 
place. The wound should be dressed once or twice a day until the 
formation of pus ceases; when the wound is dry, only the powder 
should be used. 

Lacerated wounds.— li the wound is a large one, with the skin and 
tissues so badly torn and lacerated as not to admit of the use of 
sutures, the torn and ragged edges (especially if the lower part of 
the wound hangs down) should be removed with the knife or scissors 
and the wound dressed as above directed. When the wound begins 
to granulate (fill with new tissue) care should be taken that the 
granulations are not allowed to grow out higher than the skin, caus- 
ing the condition known as proud jiesh. 



52 THE ARMY HORSE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 

The treatment of proud flesh consists in the removal of the un- 
healthy tissue by the use of the knife or by the application of a red- 
hot iron ; burnt alum or salicylic acid dusted upon the surface of the 
wound will also destroy the unhealthy granules. 

Punctured wounds. — Punctured wounds (except those around 
joints) should be explored with a probe to ascertain if any foreign 
bodies are in the channel; if so, they should be removed, and if neces- 
sary a dependent opening be made to allow perfect drainage. The 
parts should then be syringed out thoroughly with a solution of 
creolin, 1 to 50; carbolic acid, 1 to 20 or 30; or bichloride of merciu-y, 
1 to 1,000, and the outside opening sprinkled with iodoform. This 
treatment should be applied twice daily. 

For a few days the wound should be swabbed with tincture of 
iodine or packed Avith strips of gauze saturated with this drug in 
order to destroy infection, check the formation of pus, and promote 
the growth of healthy tissue. 

Wounds of the lips, nostrils, and eyelids heal very rapidly; if of 
several days' standing, they should have their edges scraped and then 
be sutured, and iodoform or acetanilid dusted over the surface twice 
daily. 

An excellent antiseptic solution for the treatment of wounds 
during fly time is made by dissolving 8 ounces of gum camphor in 3 
ounces of carbolic acid. Apply with a clean swab several times daily. 
One ounce of creolin to 8 ounces of olive oil is a good substitute. 

Punctured loounds around, joints. 

Open joint is a wound situated on a joint and extending through 
the capsular ligament, allowing the joint oil to escape. 

Treatment. — Remove the hair and thoroughly clean the parts 
around the wound with a solution of bichloride of mercury, 1 to 1 ,000 ; 
unless a foreign bod}^ is known to be lodged in it, do not probe or 
explore, as the introduction of any instrument, even if thoroughly 
clean, will be the means of setting up considerable inflammation. 
Apply a blister of biniodide of mercury 1 part, cosmoline 4 parts, for 
the purpose of closing the opening, limiting motion, and relieving 
pain. Use the slings if the wound is very painful. If the wound 
is so large that a blister will not close it, the treatment should be 
as prescribed for an open wound. 

A punctured tendon sheath is treated like a punctured joint. 

CAUSE AND TREATMENT OF SPRAINS. 

Sprains affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The fibers of 
which they are composed are severely stretched, sometimes torn in 
serious cases, causing inflammation and subsequent contraction, and, 
in case of muscles, atrophy or sweeny (wasting away). 



PLATE X. 




Fig. 1 , Curb. Fig. 2, Bursal enlarg-ement. Fig. 3, Sprain of tlie flexor tendons 
(bowed tendons). Fig. 4, Line firing. Fig. 5, Capped hock. 



WOUNDS, SPKAINS, BRUISES, ABRASIONS, AND ABSCESSES. 53 

Strains of the muscles. 

Muscle strains occur in various parts of the trunk and limbs; 
thus, a horse may strain the neck muscles, as a result of falling 
on the head; the muscles of the dorsal region may be strained 
by the hind feet slipping backward. Wlien a muscle is strained 
the injury is succeeded by pain, swelling, heat, and loss of function. 

An inflamed muscle can no longer contract; hence in some strains 
the symptoms resemble those of paralysis. 

Sprains of the suspensory ligament and flexor tendons. 

(" Breakdown " and " Bowed tendons.") 

The fibrous structures situated behind the cannon bone, both in 
the front and hind legs, are often the seat of lacerations or sprains 
resulting from violent efforts or sudden jerks. The injury is easily 
recognized by the changed appearance of the parts, which become 
more or less swollen; the swelling usually extending from the knee 
down to the fetlock and occasionally even farther. It is always 
characterized by heat and is variously sensitive, ranging from a mere 
tenderness to a degree of soreness which shrinks from the lightest 
touch. The degree of lameness corresponds to the severity of the 
injury. Sprain of the flexor tendon is shown in Plate X, figure 3. 

Sprains of ligaments. 

The calcaneo-cuboid ligament, situated at the back part of the 
hock and uniting the calcaneum, the cuboid, and the external splint 
bones, is frequently sprained. This condition is known as a "curh" 
(Plate X, Fig. 1). 

The various ligaments entering into the formation of joints are 
subject to sprains and injuries. This condition is indicated by 
lameness, accompanied by pain, heat, and swelling. 

The capsular ligament when sprained very often becomes weak- 
ened, resulting in distention of the synovial sac (Plate X, Fig. 2). 
Bursal enlargements receive different names, according to their 
location. Bog spavin is a characteristic bursal enlargement. It is 
found on the front and inner side of the hock joint and varies in size 
with the amount of aistention of the capsular ligament. The trouble 
is usually caused by slipping, hard and fast work, irregular exercise, 
and high feeding. Draft animals, pulling heavy loads over rough or 
slippery ground, are particularly subject to this injury, which is also 
more commonly seen in young than in mature animals. The swell- 
ing can be readily detected; under pressure it fluctuates; heat may 
or may not be present; lameness rarely results unless the injury be 
accompanied by complications, such as hone spavin or bony deposits. 



54 THE ARMY HORSE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 

In sprain of the stifle joint, the hgaments holding it in position are 
severely stretched, in some cases sprained or ruptured, and even dis- 
location of the patella may occur. In this trouble the patella is forced 
outward and thus makes the joint immovable, the leg being extended 
backward and the foot resting on the toe. If the animal is forced to 
move, he drags the leg, being unable to bring it forward in the natural 
manner on account of the dislocation. The bone is returned to place 
in the following manner: A rope having been placed about the pas- 
tern, the leg is steadily drawn forward by one or more assistants, 
while the operator stretches the patella forward and inward. Wlien 
the bone regains its proper position, the animal has proper control 
of his leg. Reduce the inflammation promptly and blister as ex- 
plained below. In case the patella persists in slipping out again, a 
rope should be fastened to the pastern and attached to the collar 
about the horse's neck; the rope should be drawn tight enough to 
prevent the horse extending his leg to the rear, but allowing him to 
stand upon it; keep the rope on until the blister has worked. 

General treatment of sprains. — Perfect rest is absolutely necessary 
and must never be overlooked in the treatment of all sprains; there- 
fore the injured animal should be at once removed to a level stall 
where it can remain until complete recovery has taken place. Hot or 
cold applications should be applied to the injured parts. These appli- 
cations should be in the form of fomentations (bathing), or bandages 
saturated with water. Flannel bandages must not be allowed to dry 
while in contact with the injured parts, as flannel applied wet, shrinks 
in drying, and will not only retard the reparative process, but cause 
unnecessary pain. Cold water is often materially assisted in ac- 
complishing the desired results by the addition of acetate of lead or 
sulphate of zinc, witch-hazel, or nitrate of potash. A convenient 
solution is made as follows: Acetate of lead and sulphate of zinc, each 
1 ounce; water, 1 quart; or, 1 pint of witch-hazel, 1 ounce of acetate 
of lead, and water enough to make 1 quart. If pain is very severe 
the following may be used: Tincture opium, 4 ounces; acetate of 
lead, 2 ounces; water to make 1 quart; this application is of more 
benefit when applied warm. All applications should be used several 
times daily. 

If, after the inflammation is reduced, the parts remain large and 
swollen, benefit will result from the application of tincture of iodine, 
well rubbed in, twice a day. If this treatment fails to restore the 
parts to their normal condition in a reasonable length of time, a 
blister should be applied. It is made as follows: Cantharides (pow- 
dered) 1 part, cosmoline 4 to 5 parts; or, cantharides (powdered) 1 
part, biniodide mercury 1 part, cosmoline 4 to 6 parts. 

Before applying either the blister or the iodine the hair should be 
clipped from the parts to which the medicine is to be applied. To 



WOUNDS, SPRAINS, BRUISES, ABRASIONS, AND ABSCESSES. 55 

obtain the best results from the bhster it should be well rubbed in 
for at least fifteen minutes. The animal must be tied in such a 
manner that he can not reach the blistered part with his mouth; the 
blister should be left on for a period of twenty-four to forty-eight 
hours; it must then be removed by washing with warm water and 
castile soap. After the blister has been removed the animal may be 
untied. The parts should be kept clean, free from scabs, and soft 
from the use of cosmoline, olive oil, or glycerin. 

Rest is necessary throughout the treatment, and even to test his 
soundness the animal should not be moved more than is necessary. 

If the disease does not yield to blisters, the parts must be fired. 
For this operation, two kinds of instruments are used: The thermo- 
cautery, which generates its own heat, and the more common form, 
the iron heated in the fire. Two methods of firing are in general use : 
Line firing, for diseases of the tendons, ligaments, etc. (Plate X, 
Fig. 4), and puncture Jiring , for diseases of the bone (Chapter XI). 

BRUISES. 

In the cavalry horse the most frequent bruises are saddle and 
cinch galls, and bruises of the withers. 

Certain horses suffer more than others, on account of the presence 
of old sores, scars, or scabs, or because of peculiarities in conformation. 

The principal defects in conformation (previously noted) are: 
Abnormally high or abnormally low and thick withers; the keel- 
shaped breast, accompanied by flat ribs and light flanks, and the 
broad or bulging barrel. 

Old horses sometimes have the muscles in the saddle bed atrophied, 
and are therefore more liable to contract saddle galls. 

All horses, whatever their conformation, are subject to saddle and 
cinch galls, produced mechanically by three causes: First, unequal 
distribution of weight; second, faults in saddling and cinching; 
third, poor riding. 

After a long ride, the blood vessels under the saddle and cinch are 
compressed and almost empty. If it is suspected that saddle or 
cinch galls may have been formed, it is advisable to leave the saddle 
on for a half hour to an hour after dismounting; the cinch should be 
loosened very slightly. 

If pressure be suddenly and completely removed, blood is vigor- 
ously forced into the paralyzed vessels, and may rupture their walls. 
On the other hand, if the saddle is allowed to remain some time in 
position, circulation is gradually restored without injury. 

Treatment. — As soon as a swelling is noticed, application of cold in 
the form of pads kept saturated with cold water and massage in the 
form of gentle stroking with the fingers will aid in the absorption of 
the fluids causing the swelling. 



56 THE AEMY HOESE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 

Injuries to the withers require different treatment — cold appHca- 
tions without pressure and without massage, on account of the danger 
of the fluids burrowing. 

A solution made of the following is a very good application for 
bruises: Sugar of lead 2 ounces, laudanum 4 ounces, water to make 
1 quart. To be applied several times daily. Or a poultice made of 
flaxseed meal, to which has been added an antiseptic, such as creolin, 
carbolic acid, etc. 

Bruises caused by kicks or running against an obstacle should be 
treated by applications of water, and if painful, an anodyne (pain 
reducing) liniment. The following makes a good anodyne: Witch- 
hazel 2 parts, tincture opium 1 part, tincture aconite I part, water 2 
parts. Apply locally with the hand. 

Artillery horses are subject to the same injuries, produced by the 
saddle and cinch, as are cavalry horses, and, in addition, may be 
bruised about the neck and shoulders by the collar. If the collar has 
not broken or chafed the skin (see ' 'Abrasions") treat the bruises as 
previously directed. 

The wJiite lotion, composed of 1 ounce each of sugar of lead and 
sulphate of zinc, water 1 quart, is a most excellent remedy for bruises 
and also for abrasions. 

Bruises of the sole and heel. 

These are quite frequent, and should be treated by hot or cold 
applications, accomplished bj^ holding the foot in a tub or pail of 
water, or by incasing the foot in a hot flaxseed-meal poultice. If pus 
forms, the underrun horn must be removed and the parts kept clean 

and covered. 

Capped elbow — shoe hoil. 

This is a bruise at the point of the elbow, and is caused by the horse 
lying on the heels of his shoe; to prevent further injury, place a large 
roll around the pastern at night, and apply tincture of iodine twice 
daily, until the swelling is removed. In case of great swelling and 
heat, apply hot and cold water, or the white lotion, until the heat 
disappears; tlien proceed as above. 

Capped hod:. 

(Plate X, Fig. 5.) 

Capped hock is a swelling, more or less soft, found on the point of 
the hock, and usually caused by kicking m the stall, or by bruising 
the parts during transportation by rail or sea. Tincture of iodine is 
a very good remedy for this injury. 

Only m extreme cases is it advisable to use the knife in the treat- 
ment of shoe boils and capped hock. As soon as the parts are opened 



PLATE XI. 




Fig. 1 , Fistulous withers. Fig. 2, Poll evil. 



WOUNDS;, SPRAINS, BRUISES, ABRASIONS, AND ABSCESSES. 57 

pus rapidly forms, and the inflammation (infection by germs) may 
extend to the inner structures, causing a condition that will not 
readily yield to treatment. 

Sitfast. 

Sitfasts are patches of dry, dead skin, and may involve the deeper 
tissues; they are caused by continuous pressure of the saddle, cinch, 
or collar, and ma}" be situated on the side of the body, back, side of 
withers, shoulder, or neck. 

Treatment. — With the knife remove all dead and bruised tissue, 
stimulate the sore at the sides by the use of lunar caustic, and treat 
as a common wound. When there is no more formation of pus, and 
the parts are perfectly dry, do not apply liquids, but use iodoform 
until well. 

Fistulous withers. 

(Plate XI, Fig. 1.) 

Fistulous withers is an abscess (gathering) having a more or less 
chronic discharge of pus from one or more openings situated in the 
immediate vicinity of the withers; it may involve only the soft struc- 
tures, or the bones may also be affected; it is caused by a bruise, and 
generally, in the army, by a bruise from an ill-fitting saddle. 

Treatment. — Treat as explained under "Abscesses." If, after a 
reasonable length of time, results are not satisfactory, a surgical opera- 
tion is necessary. 

Poll evil. 

(Plate XI, Fig. 2.) 

Poll evil is the result of a bruise on the poll. It is similar to fistulous 
withers, and should receive the same treatment. 

ABRASIONS. 

An abrasion, or chafe, is an inflammation of the skin, resulting 
from friction. Parts of the equipment frequently wear away the 
hair and leave the skin raw and tender. 

Treatment. — One ounce of tannic acid in a pint of witchhazel is 
especially valuable for collar chafes; zinc oxide as a dusting powder is 
efl'ective, and the white lotion is always beneficial. In emergencies, 
bathe the parts with cold water to which a little salt has been added. 

Rope hum. 

Rope burn is an abrasion, usually at the back of the pastern, and 
caused by the animal becoming entangled in the halter sliank, picket 
line, or lariat. The injury may be simply a chafe of the superficial 



58 THE AKMY HOESE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 

layer of the skin or it may involve the deeper structures. In the latter 
case it is of a serious nature and requires careful attention. 

Treatment. — If possible, give the animal complete rest. Clip the 
hair from the injured parts, at the same time removing any torn skin; 
wash with some good antiseptic, such as solution of creolin or carbolic 
acid, and apply a dusting powder, such as zinc oxide or iodoform, the 
former preferably. Apply a pad of clean cotton and secure with a 
cotton bandage; change the dressing daily. Should the parts be slow 
in healing, an occasional dressing of tincture of iodine is beneficial, and 
good results are often obtained by alternating this with a dressing of 
olive oil 3 parts and creolin 2 parts. Should proud flesh appear, the 
three sulphates (iron, copper, and zinc) may be used, or powdered 
copper sulphate alone. Use until the granules disappear. When the 
wound begins to heal nicely, it is better to dispense with the pad and 
bandage. 

ABSCESSES. 

An abscess is an unnatural collection, in the tissues, of fluids, 
such as pus or serum. It is the result of inflammation caused by 
an injury or by the infection of pus germs. The swelling usually 
softens at some point, unless it be filled with serum, in which case it 
is soft and fluctuates at all points, and lies directly beneath the skin. 

Soft, pufi'y swellings in the neighborhood of joints and tendons 
should not be mistaken for abscesses, as they are usually bursal 
enlargements, filled with synovia, and requiring different treatment. 
(See "General treatment of sprains.") 

Treatment. — A pus abscess, if slow in development, should be 
poulticed until it softens at some part where it can be opened by 
cutting through the skin; then insert a blunt instrument through 
the wall into the pus cavity, thus avoiding any danger of injury 
to blood vessels or other structures. Vvhen freely opened, the 
cavity should be flushed out twice dail}^ with some antiseptic solution, 
care being exercised to prevent the external wound from healing 
before the formation of the pus has ceased. In every case provision 
must be made for free drainage at the lowest point. 

A serous abscess (one in which we find the yellowish, watery, 
and often bloody serum) is treated as follows: Chp the hair away 
and wash the skin with an antiseptic; with an instrument that has 
been thoroughly disinfected make a small opening; after all fluid 
has escaped apply a blister of biniodide of mercury, 1 to 6, over the 
outside of the area occupied by the original swelling. If it fills again, 
repeat the treatment. 

Soft, puffy swellings on the abdominal wall must be carefully 
examined. They may be the results of rupture, in which case open- 
insj; would be fatal. 



CHAPTEK VI. 



DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM AND INFLUENZA. 

ACUTE NASAL CATARRH. 

Acute nasal catarrh (simple cold in the head) is usually caused 
by standing in a draft, and may be detected by the discharge from 
the nostrils. It is usually accompanied by a cough, loss of appetite, 
and elevation of temperature (fever). The discharge is at first of 
the consistency of water, but may in severe cases become much 
thicker, and form dry crusts on the edges of the nostrils. 

Treatment. — The mild form does not require treatment; it ends 
rapidly in a cure. In severe cases, the animal should have complete 
rest ; fumigation (steaming) from a hot solution of creolin or carbohc 
acid (1 ounce to ^ pail of hot water) constitutes an excellent local 
treatment. Give bran mashes, and administer twice daily § ounce 
of saltpeter, or 2 drams of chloride of ammonia, until the animal has 
recovered; the chloride of ammonia is best administered on the 
tongue. If the cough is frequent and the horse has difficulty in 
swallowing, the following liniment should be applied to the throat: 
Solution of ammonia 1 part, oil of turpentine 1 part, olive oil 2 parts. 
Apply twice daily. 

CHRONIC NASAL CATARRH. 

Chronic nasal catarrh is usually an unfavorable termination of 
simple catarrh ; or it may result from injury and chronic inflammation 
of the nasal cavities; from tumors, parasites, abscesses, etc., in the 
nasal cavities; from diseases of the teeth; from chronic diseases of 
the respiratory (breathing) apparatus in general; and from chronic 
constitutional diseases. 

Symptoms. — The discharge is quite thick and becomes glued to 
the sides of the nostrils; its color varies from a dirty white to a 
yellowish gray; it frequently has a fetid (foul) odor; the cpiantity 
varies; the discharge is usually from one nostril, but both may be 
affected ; in cases of long standing small ulcers (sores) may occasionally 
be seen in the nostrils; they are superficial (on the surface), are de- 
fined by sharp edges that are not thickened, and heal without leaving 

59 



60 THE ARMY HORSE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 

a scar. (The ulcer of glanders, which will be studied later, has edges 
shaped like saw teeth, and when healed leaves a jagged scar.) 

Treatment. — Is usually local and as follows : Fumigation with hot 
water, to which antiseptics have been added (2 ounces of creolin or 
2 ounces of carbolic acid to a half bucketful of water) ; the steaming 
to continue at least one-half hour twice daily. If no definite cause 
of the discharge can be found, good results may be obtained by admin- 
istering 2 drams of powdered copper sulphate or the same amount of 
iron sulphate, in the food or in a ball, once daily. In most cases, 
when the discharge is from one nostril only, an operation is necessary 
to effect a cure. 

As the symptoms of this disease are so similar to glanders, the 
animal should be isolated, and the utensils, such as buckets, forks, 
brooms, currycombs, blankets, etc., should not be used about other 
horses, until by the use of mallein (see Glanders) the disease has 
been definitely determined. 

PHARYNGITIS AND LARYNGITIS — SORE THROAT. 

Sore throat is an inflammation of the lining membrane imme- 
diately in the rear of the mouth and is caused by irritating medicines, 
by bodies bruising the tissues, by sudden changes in the temperature, 
and by infection. 

Sym/ptoms. — Diminution of the appetite, cough, stiffness of the 
head, soreness when pressure is applied to the throat, a considerable 
amount of mucus and saliva in the mouth, escai)ing in long, trans- 
parent threads, and usually a profuse thick discharge from the nose. 
Swallowing of liquids is painful; they are ejected through the nose, 
and are often of a greenish color and contain quantities of food. 
Temperature may range from normal to 106° F., with diflicultyin 
breathing. 

Treatment. — The sick animal should be separated from the healthy 
ones and placed in a comfortable box stall, free from drafts, but 
well ventilated, and should be given green food or very fine hay, 
steamed oats, bran, or gruel ; fresh water should be left within reach. 
Four drams of either ammonium chloride or potassium nitrate 
should be added to the drinking water. 

The lips and nostrils should be kept i)erfectly clean and the mouth 
washed frequently with fresh water. Cold compresses should be 
used if the parts are hot, tender, and painful. In a mild case, use 
the ammonia liniment as in acute nasal catarrh. If an abscess is 
likely to form, poultices of linseed meal may be applied, and the 
abscess, when ready, should be opened, but never with a knife. Cut 
through the skin only and then insert a blunt instrument, or the fin- 
ger, and allow the pus to escape. 



DISEASES OF RESPIKATORY SYSTEM AND INFLUENZA. 61 

If the animal breathes with great diflFiculty, manifested by making 
a loud, wheezing sound, an opening should be made in his windpipe 
and the edges of the opening held apart by inserting a suture in each 
side, tying the silk ends up over the neck; or a tube may be inserted 
in the opening. This operation is called tracheotomy. 

The sore-throat iKitient should never he drenched. If the horse 
should cough while taking medicine in this manner, the liquid might 
enter the lungs and cause pneumonia. 

Fever may be combatted by cold-water injections into the rectum, 
1 to 2 gallons at a time. 

STRANGLES, COMMONLY CALLED " DISTEMPER." 

Strangles is an acute, infectious disease, and usually attacks young 
horses. 

Symptoms. — The disease begins with a high fever, ranging from 
104° to 106°; a discharge from the nose, at first watery, rapidly 
becoming thicker, and later assuming a whitish-gray or greenish- 
yellow color. The glands below the lower jaw become swollen, hot, 
and painful, and occasionally there is soreness of the throat; loss of 
appetite, depression, great muscular weakness, and, occasionally, 
swelling of the hind legs follow. Sometimes a swelling may be 
found on some portion of the windpipe or other part of the body. 

Treatment. — Separate the sick animal from the healthy ones and 
place him in a well- ventilated stall, free from drafts; clean the nos- 
trils frequentl}^; clothe the body according to the season of the year; 
apply hot poultices to the abscess several times daily, and, as soon 
as pus is formed, open and wash twice daily. 

Give easily digested food, green fodder, roots, or slops made of 
bran or steamed oats, and to his drinking water add ^ ounce of salt- 
peter; do not drench, as the throat in many cases is sore. 

PNEUMONIA. 

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung structure, and usually 
runs a course of from seven to ten days. 

Among the external causes of the disease are to be particularly 
mentioned excessive exertion and cold; also carelessness in giving 
a drench, particularly if the animal has a sore throat. This dis- 
ease frequently follows acute nasal catarrh, sore throat or strangles, 
and may accompany influenza. 

Symptoms. — The first symptom is an intense fever accompanied 
by a chill; the patient shows great fatigue and muscular weakness; 
temperature ranges from 103° to 107°, the appetite is diminished, 
at times almost wanting; the patient is constipated; breathing is 
rapid and difficult; the nostrils are much dilated, and expired air is 



62 THE ARMY HOESE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 

warmer than usual; the ears and legs are cold. There is frequently 
a rusty red or rusty yellow discharge from the nose. The animal 
remains standing constantly, with the fore legs spread, or it may lie 
down for a short time only; a cough may or may not be present. 

Treatment. — Great care should be given to the diet; in order to 
keep up his strength, give any food that the animal mil eat — steamed 
oats, carrots, or green grass if possible, gruel, etc. Place him in a 
well-ventilated box stall free from drafts, and clothe the body and 
legs according to the season of the year; warm blankets wrapped 
around the chest if the weather is not too hot will be of advantage. 
In warm weather, if flies are troublesome, a thin sheet made of gunny 
sacks should be placed upon the animal. Quinine sulphate 1 dram, 
gentian root 2 drams, makes a good tonic. It should be repeated 
three times daily. 

Cold injections into the rectum will reduce the fever. 

Alcohol, 4 to 5 ounces, well diluted, should be given as a drench, 
twice daily, and potassium nitrate, ^ ounce, should be added to the 
drinking water. 

In the first stage of pneumonia (called congestion of the lungs), 
caused by overexertion of the animal when he is in a weakened con- 
dition, the disease may be often broken up by the use of stimulants. 

HEAVES. 

Heaves is a chronic disease of the lungs, manifested in a quick 
inspiration and a double expiration. 

Symptoms. — Cough of a chronic nature ; discharge from the nostrils 
after exertion ; characteristic breathing, as described above, which is 
aggravated by damp, muggy weather, and by dusty, coarse, and bulky 
fodder, such as clover hay or dirty oats. Climate has a marked influ- 
ence; in high, dry altitudes this trouble is unknown. 

Treatment. — Always water before feeding, and feed more grain and 
less hay. The food must be clean, should be moistened before feeding, 
and the bowels should be kept loosened by frequent bran mashes. 
Never exercise a horse with heaves just after feeding; if he must 
accompany the organization, feed him earlier than the others. 

INFLUENZA (PINK EYE). 

Influenza is a contagious disease. It affects first the respiratory 
tract, but also involves the nerve centers, circulatory system, the 
lining membranes of the intestines, and the eyes. 

Symptoms. — The first symptoms are loss of appetite, depression 
and weakness; the temperature rises rapidly to 105° or 107° in severe 
cases ; the animal holds his head low and has a stupid look ; he staggers 
when walking, and the visible mucous membranes are of a yellowish 
tinge. 



DISEASES OF RESPIRATORY SYSTEM AND INFLUENZA. 63 

When the digestive organs are affected, coHcs (gripes) occur fre- 
quently. In the beginning, constipation is the rule and the dung is 
coated with a wliitish-yellow, mucus layer; later diarrhea occurs and 
t-iie dung is doughy, soft, or liquid. The e3'elids are sometimes 
swollen shut and are hot and sensitive to the touch. The legs and 
sheath are sometimes swollen and the lower-portion of the belly may 
be similarly affected. 

Treatment. — Isolate sick animals for their own comfort and the 
safety of healthy subjects, as influenza is usually a serious disease. 
Give quinine sulphate 1 dram, gentian 2 drams, in a ball, three times 
daily ; add ^ ounce saltpeter to the drinking water twice daily. The 
fever may be reduced by rectal injections of cold water. 

Intestinal troubles may be relieved by the administration of bicar- 
bonate of soda in dram doses three times daily ; if pain is very severe, 
2 drams of fluid extract of cannabis indica may be given. Bathe the 
eyes, if swollen, with warm water. Good nursing and laxative food 
are essential, cold w^ater being kept where the animal can help himself. 
5417—09 5 



OHAPTEll VII. 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE, URINARY, NERVOUS, AND LYMPHATIC 

SYSTEMS. 

Diseases of the Digestive wSystem. 
spasmodic colic — gripes. 

(Plate XII.) 

Spasmodic colic is a painful contraction of the intestines. The 
usual seat of the trouble is the small intestines, and it is usually 
caused by indigestible or chilled food or drink, and freciuently by 
sudden chilling of the body. 

Symjytoms.— The suflering is very violent but of short duration; 
the spasms appear suddenly and disappear with the same rapidity. 
The horse paws, stamps, looks around at his flanks, lies down and 
rolls, and if the pain is very severe, sweats profusely. During the 
attack a few pellets of dung may be passed, and attempts to pass 
urine are frequently made. This latter symptom has misled many 
persons to the impression that the disease was located in the ''urinary 
organs." 

Treatment. — Place the animal in a large, well-bedded stall and 
give the following: Cannabis indica 2 to 4 drams, aromatic spirits 
ammonia 1 ounce, water to make 1 pint. Or,- fluid extract bella- 
donna 2 drams, nitrous ether 2 ounces, water to make 1 pint. Either 
one of these prescriptions can be given at one dose and repeated in 
three-(|uarters of an hour. If the animal is not relieved in one hour, 
give a purgative of aloes (physic ball). 

Warm-water injections, per rectum, are often of advantage. 

flatulent colic. 

Flatulent colic is generally due to the animal having eaten im- 
proper foods, such as musty oats, sour bran, green corn, etc., which 
interfere with the process of digestion and give off much gas. It is 
sometimes caused merely by a sudden change of diet from oats to 
corn. This trouble is also frequently observed in horses that have 
the habit of wind sucking. 
64 



PLATE XII. 




Charactei'istic symptoms of spasmodic colic. 



DIGESTIVE^ URINARY, NERVOUS, AND LYMPHATIC SYSTEMS. 65 

Symptoms.^The rapid swellinp; of the belly constitutes the charac- 
teristic symptom. The abdomen is distended, the pain is not so 
severe as in spasmodic colic, but more constant. With the increase 
of swelling liiie breathino; becomes more difficult, anxiety and rest- 
lessness are shown, walking is painful, and the animal staggers, lies 
down and rolls, but only for a short time. 

Treatment.— Tlsice the horse in a large, roomy stall, and giv© the 
following drench: Sulphuric ether 2 ounces, aromatic spirits of 
ammonia 1 ounce, fluid extract belladonna 2 drams, water to make 
1 pint. Repeat in one hour if necessary. Should the animal not 
be relieved after the second dose, administer a purgative. Cold- 
water injections into the rectum are sometimes of advantage. If 
the abdomen continues to distend with gas, the trocar and canula 
must be used. This is an instrument for puncturing the intestine, 
but should be used only by one who understands the operation. 
The instrument, as well as the seat of the operation, should be thor- 
oughly disinfected. 

ENTERITIS INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. 

Cause. — This disease is sometimes due to the action of cold : 
sudden chilling when the body is in a perspiring condition, the 
swallowing of very cold water, of frozen or frost-covered fodder, 
etc. It is sometimes a complication of the colics and is frequently 
seen as a result of impaction or twisting of the bowels. 

Symptoms. — The mucous membrane of the nose, mouth, and eyes 
is congested and reddened, the mouth is hot and dry. Respiration 
is increased, pulse is hard and rapid, temperature is elevated, 103° 
to 105° F. Colicky pains are continuous; the horse walks about 
the stall, paws, lies down carefully, rolls, and tries to balance himself 
on Ms hack. As a rule the bowels are constipated, but when this 
disease is due to irritating foods or medicines purgation and flatu- 
lency may be present. 

The small, hard pulse ; high temperature ; aged and anxious appear- 
ance of the face; continuous pain, which is increased by pressure 
upon the abdomen; position of the horse when down, and coldness 
of the ears and legs, will enable anyone to diagnose a case of enteritis. 
Wlien mortification (death) of the bowels sets in, all pain ceases and 
the animal will stand quietly, sometimes for several hours. Toward 
the last he sighs, breathes hard, staggers and pitches about, and 
dies in a state of delirium. 

It is a very serious disease and in the majority of cases proves 
fatal. Death may take place in six hours, or not until after several 
days. 



66 THE ABMY HOESE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 

Treatment. — To control the pain give large doses of powdered 
opium, laudanum, or cannabis indica. 

The following prescription is recommended: Opium, powdered, 2 
drams; calomel, | dram. Make into a ball; give at once, and repeat 
in one or two hours if necessary. Blankets wrung out in hot water 
and applied to the abdomen are sometimes of benefit, but to obtain 
good results they must be kept hot for several hours. 

CHRONIC INDIGESTION. 

Chronic indigestion is a chronic catarrh of the stomach and bowels, 
the causes of which are: Irregularity in feeding and watering; feeding 
when the animal is in an exhausted condition; imperfect mastication 
and incomplete salivation of food due to irregularities of the grinding 
surfaces of the molar teeth; and food of a poor quahty, deficient in 
nutriment. 

The presence of worms is a frequent cause of this disease. 

SymjJtoms. — Appetite dirninished or capricious and depraved, fre- 
quent gaping, constipation; periodic colics are frequentty observed, 
the coat is rough and staring, and the skin is tightly adherent to the 
body, the condition known as "hidebound." The animal has an 
unthrifty appearance generally. 

Treatment. — Give small quantities of good, nutritious, and well- 
salted food three times daily. 

The water should be pure and given regularly. 

Regular exercise and good grooming will hasten recovery, by 
stimulating the skin as well as other parts of the body. 

If the appetite is diminished, give as a tonic: Gentian 2 ormces, iron 
sulphate 1 ounce, nux vomica 1^ ounces, nitrate potash 1^ ounces. 
Mix. Make twelve powders. Give one powder twice a day. 

Bicarbonate of soda is a ver\^ useful medicine to counteract the 
acidity (sourness) of the stomach. Dose, 1 dram, twice a day; the 
doses ma}^ be continued for several days. 

If intestinal worms are the exciting cause, they must be removed, 
and until this has been accomplished the animal will retain its un- 
thrifty condition although it may brighten up temporarily. 

The followmg prescription is recommended: Spirits turpentine 2 
ounces, oil linseed 4 ounces. Give before feeding and repeat once a 
dsij for four days; then follow up with 1 pint of linseed oU. 

DIARRHEA. 

This term is applied to all cases of simple purging in which the 
feces (dung) are loose, liquid, and frequently discharged. 

Diarrhea may be a spontaneous effort to discharge from the. intes- 
tines something which is obnoxious to them or to the system gen- 



DIGESTIVE, URINARY, NERVOUS, AND LYMPHATIC SYSTEMS. 67 

erally. It is caused by various agencies, such as indigestible food, 
sudden change of diet — particularh^ from a dry to a moist one — 
medicinal substances, worms, derangement of the liver, or large 
drafts of water when the animal is heated. Some animals are par- 
ticularly predisposed to diarrhea from trivial causes. Narrow-loined, 
flat-sided, and loosely coupled horses — that is to say, horses in 'which 
the distance between the point of the hip and last rib is long — and 
those of a nervous temperament are apt to purge without apparent 
cause. These are called waslnj horses. They are hard to 'keep in 
condition and require the best of food. 

Symptoms. — Purging, tlie fecal matter being semifluid, of a dirty- 
brown color, without offensive odor, or claj'^-colored and fetid. If the 
condition continues long the animal loses flesh and the appetite is 
wanting. 

Treatment. — Wlien the purging arises from the presence of some 
offending matter in the intestinal canal (sand, worms, undigested 
food, etc.) its expulsion must be aided by a moderate dose of linseed 
oil (Ih pints). 

If the purging arises from no apparent cause, or if the bowels do not 
regain their normal condition after the action of the oil has subsided, 
it will be necessary to give astringents (binding medicines), such as 
tannic acid, 1 to 2 drams. The followmg prescription may also be 
used: Gum camphor 1 ounce, opium, powdered, 1 ounce. Mix. 
Make eight powders and give one powder every three or four hours, 
according to the severity of the case. Great care must be exercised, 
as evil results may follow if the bowels are checked too soon. 

Diseases of the Urinary System. 

acute nephritis inflammation of the kidneys. 

Causes. — It is at times produced by the action of cold; it also 
happens frequently in the course of infectious (catching) diseases. 
The kidneys become irritated by the presence of waste materials of 
the food, such as mold, rust, etc., or by the passage of certain medi- 
cines, such as turpentine, cantharides, etc. Inflammation and partial 
or total clogging of the organ results. Cantharides will reach the 
kidneys after absorption from a large blistered surface. 

Symptoms. — The most important and often the only manifesta- 
tions of nephritis (in the course of infectious diseases, for instance) 
are furnished by the urine. Its quantity is diminished; it is thick- 
ened; of abnormal color; occasionally it is the color of blood. Mic- 
turition (pissing) is painful; the urine often runs off drop by drop 
only, notwithstanding the violent efforts made by the patient. In 
serious cases the urinary secretion may be completely suppressed. 



68 THE ARMY HOESE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 

The lumbar region is very sensitive to the pressure of the hand. 
At the beginning of the disease we often have renal or kidney colics. 
The back is arched, the gait stiff and staggering, rising is painful; the 
animal remains almost constantly standing. The appetite may be 
lost. The temperature is elevated; in some cases it may range very 

high- 

Treatment. — Remove the cause if possible; avoid all irritating 
food or medicines, and give absolute rest. Try to induce sweating 
by energetic rubbings upon the surface of the whole body; also by 
warm blankets, and wet, tepid compresses applied upon the loins. 
Give the following physic: Aloes 6 drams, calomel 1 dram, ginger 1 
dram. Make into a ball and give at one dose. It has a most favor- 
able action, because the purging draws a large quantity of water from 
the system. 

If there is a total suppression of urine, ^ ounce of fluid extract 
digitalis, well rubbed in on each side of the loins over the kidneys, 
will have a beneficial effect by stimulating the kidneys without caus- 
ing irritation. This application should not be used more than once. 

DIABETES INSIPIDUS SIMPLE DIABETES (pISSING). 

A disease characterized by great thirst, excessive urination, and 
great languor and emaciation. 

In the majority of cases it is caused by poor and tainted food. In 
some cases it seems to be due to a constitutional cause. 

Symptoms. — Excessive urination, from 6 to 12 gallons every twenty- 
four hours; great thirst, the animal sometimes drinking from 20 to 
25 gallons of water in twenty-four hours; depraved appetite; urine 
of a very pale color, sometimes as clear as water; the skin is harsh 
and the coat is unhealthy looking. 

Treatment. — Give good, clean, and nutritious food. Administer 
iodine in 1-dram doses three times a day and diminish quantity as 
the thirst is lessened and the urine is diminished. 

RETENTION OF THE ITRINE. 

An inabihty, total or partial, to expel by natural effort the urine 
contained in the bladder. It is caused by spasm of the neck of the 
bladder, and is often a complication of colic. 

Symptoms. — Frec|uent and ineffectual attempts to urinate; ii 
standing the animal will stretch himself out, strain violently, and 
groan with pain, discharging but a few drops of urine, or none at all; 
by examination per rectum the bladder is felt to be greatly distended, 
and this is the diagnostic or distinguishing symptom. 

Treatment. — Pass the catheter and draw off the urine. If retention 
of the urine is due to an accumulation of dirt in the penis, washing 
will remove the cause. 



DIGESTIVE, URINARY, NERVOUS, AND LYMPHATIC SYSTEMS. 69 

Diseases of the Nervous Systeivf. 
congestion of the brain "blind staggers." 

This disease is caused ])y an aecviinulatioii of Mood in the vessels 
of the brain, due to some obstacle to its return to tlie veins. 

Causes. — Disease of the heart; excessive exertion; the influence 
of extreme heat ; sudden and great excitement ; artificial stimulants ; 
any mechanical obstruction which prevents the return of blood 
through the veins to the heart, such as a small ill-fitting collar; 
tumors or abscesses pressing on the vein in its course; extreme fat; 
compression of the vascular structures (arterial capillaries) by an 
abnormal tension of gas in the stomach and intestines; over-feeding 
after a prolonged abstinence or when the exercise is insufficient ; and 
foods difficult of digestion. Fat horses or those with short, thick 
necks are especially liable to attacks of this malady. 

Symptoms. — Congestion of the brain usually appears suddenly and 
is of short duration. 

The animal may stop very suddenly and shake his head, or stand 
quietly braced on his legs, then stagger, make a plunge and fall; the 
eyes are staring, breathing hurried and snoring, nostrils widely 
dilated; this may be foUov/ed by coma (insensibihty), violent con- 
vulsive movement, and death. 

Generally, however, the animal gains rehef in a short time, but he 
may remain weak and giddy for several days. If it is due to organic 
change in the heart or disease of the blood vessels in the brain the 
symptoms may be of slow development, manifested by drowsiness, 
diminished or impaired vision, difficulty in voluntary movements, 
diminished sensibility of the skin, loss of consciousness, delirium, and 
death. 

Treatment. — Prompt removal of all mechanical obstruction to the 
circulation. If it is due to venous obstruction by too tight a collar, 
the loosening of the collar will give immediate relief. If due to tu- 
mors or abscesses, a surgical operation becomes necessary. To re- 
lieve the animal, if he becomes partially or totally unconscious, cold 
water should be dashed on the head, and if this does not afford relief, 
recourse must be had to bleeding to lessen arterial tension. If symp- 
toms of paralysis remain after two or three days, an active physic 
should be given, followed, after twenty-four hours, by iodide of 
potassium given in 2-drain doses three times daily. Place the animal 
in a cool, dark, well-ventilated stable, keep him perfectly quiet, and 
give cooling diet. 



70 THE ARMY HORSE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 

SUNSTROKE AND HEATSTROKE. 

These are cerebral troubles: Sunstroke is produced by the rays of 
the sun falling directly upon the cranium. Heatstroke is caused by 
the overheating of the whole body or by excessive exertion. 

Symptoms. — Sunstroke is manifested suddenly; the animal stops, 
drops his head, begins to stagger, the breathing is marked by great 
snoring, the pulse is very slow and irregular, cold sweats break out in 
patches on the surface of the body, and the animal often dies without 
recovering consciousness. 

In heatstroke the animal usually requires urging for some time pre- 
vious to the appearance of any other symptom. Generally perspi- 
ration is checked; he becomes weak in his gait; the breathing grows 
hurried or panting; the eyes watery and bloodshot; nostrils dilated 
and highly reddened to a dark purple color; the pulse is rapid and 
weak; the heart bounding, frequently followed by unconsciousness 
and death. Temperature reaches 107° to 112° F, If recovery takes 
place convalesence extends over a long period of time, during which 
locomotion shows lack of full control. 

TreatTYient. — The treatment consists in the application of cold in 
the form of ice or cold water on the head, cold injections per rectum, 
and the administration of stimulants, such as 2 ounces aromatic spirits 
of ammonia or 4 ounces of alcohol in 8 ounces of water; repeat in one 
hour if necessary. Place the animal in a cool and shady place, and 
bathe the whole body with cold water until the temperature is lowered. 

Diseases of the Lymphatic System. 

Acute inflammation of the lymph gland usually occurs in connection 
with some inflammatory process in the region from which the lymph 
is gathered. 

The lymph glands between the branches of the lower jaw almost 
invariably become affected in strangles, nasal catarrh (acute or 
chronic), diseased or ulcerated teeth. Infected wounds of any part 
of the body may cause inflammation of the neighboring lymphatics. 

Symptoms. — The glands swell and l)ecome painful to the touch, the 
connective tissue surrounding them becomes involved, suppuration 
(formation of pus) usually takes place, and one or more abscesses 
form. If the inflammation is of a milder type the swelling may dis- 
appear and the gland will assume its normal condition without sup- 
puration. The temperature will be elevated. Sometimes the glands 
will remain hard and considerably swollen for some length of time. 
In man these swollen glands are known as kernels. 

Treatment. — Fomentations with hot water will reheve the soreness, 
unless an abscess is forming. If such is known to be the case a poul- 
tice of bran or flaxseed meal should be apphed, and as soon as fluctua- 



PLATE XIII. 




Lymphangitis. 



DIGESTIVE, UEINARY, NERVOUS, AND LYMPHATIC SYSTEMS. 71 

tion can be felt a free opening must be made and the abscess washed 
with a sohition of bichloride mercury 1-1000, or creolin 1-50. If the 
gland does not suppurate, the enlargement may be reduced by tinc- 
ture of iodine applied twice daily. 

LYMPHANGITIS. 

(Plate XIII.) 

Inflammation of the lymphatic structures, usually affecting the 
hind leg, very seldom the fore leg. This disease is very sudden in its 
attack, exceedingly painful, accompanied by a high temperature and 
great general disturbance. 

Causes. — It usually attacks well-fed animals, especially after one 
or two days' rest, and in such cases may be due to an excess of nu- 
tritious elements in the blood. It may also result from an infected 
wound . 

Symptoms. — The first symptom noticed will be lameness in one leg 
and swelling on the inside of the thigh. The swelling gradually sur- 
rounds the whole limb, continuing downward until it reaches the 
foot. The limb is excessively tender to the touch and is held up. 
The breathing is increased, pulse hard and quick (80 to 100), and the 
temperature may reach 106°. The bowels early become constipated 
and the urine scanty and high colored. Occasionally the lymphatic 
glands in the groin undergo suppuration, blood poisoning may super- 
vene and prove fatal. 

Treatment. — Fomentations with warm water, to be continued for 
one hour and repeated several times daily. Give a physic composed 
of 6 to 8 drams of aloes, 1 dram ginger, and water to make a ball. 
Give at once. After the physic has operated give ^-ounce doses of 
nitrate of potash twice daily. After the pain diminishes, moderate 
exercise and hand rubbing will be of benefit. If the glands sup- 
purate, open, and wash them out with an antiseptic. The irrigations 
must be continued until the gland is well. 

If caused by a wound, similar treatment should be pursued, 
together with thorough disinfection of the wound. If, after one 
week, the swelling still remains, give potassium iodide, 2 drams, 
twice daily until it is reduced. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



MISCELLANEOUS DISEASES. 

PURPURA HEMORRHAGICA PURPURA PETECHIAL FEVER. 

(Plate XIV.) 

This is an acute, infectious disease, the cause of which is as yet 
httle known. Sometimes it is primary; in other instances it follows 
other infectious diseases, strangles, pharyngitis, contagious pneu- 
monia, influenza, etc. 

Symptoms. — Petechial fever is generally manifested by the appear- 
ance upon the mucous membranes of numerous dark-red petechise. 
(reddish spots) ; sometimes they are insignificant as a flea bite, then 
again they may attain the size of a pea or an acorn; they often 
become joined and form spots or bands of variable length. In 
serious cases the nasal mucous membrane becomes affected by 
gangrene (death of the affected spot) or covered over with ulcera- 
tions. The discharge is bloody and of bad aspect, breathing is very 
laborious, and the expired air has a fetid odor. The general condi- 
tion sometimes becomes very rapidly aggravated; then, in the 
majority of cases, the disease ends in death. 

Corresponding with the appearance of the reddish spots, or a few 
days later, swellings appear beneath the skin; this symptom, which 
is the most prominent, is often the first symptom noticed. The 
swellings will range in size from a ten-cent piece to a silver dollar; 
they are usually upon dependent regions, such as the head, extremi- 
ties, abdomen, sheath, and chest. These swellings are not hot, and 
only slightl}^ sensitive; they gradually extend until they grow 
together, and we have in a few hours the swelling up of the legs and 
belly, or the head, to an enormous size; they have always a charac- 
teristic constricted border, which looks as if it had been tied with a 
cord. The swelling stands out abruptly at this border, often as much 
as an inch. 

The swelling in the legs will cause stiffness. The head may be 
swollen to such a size that it resembles the head of a hippopotamus 
rather than that of a horse; the caliber of the nostril may be so less- 
ened as to cause the horse to breathe with difficulty. The pulse, if 
72 



PLATE XIV. 




Purpura hemoi-rhagica. 



MISCELLANEOUS DISEASES. 73 

altered at all, is a little weaker than usual, the appetite remains 
normal as a rule, although at times the animal will have difFiculty in 
mastication. The temperature at first is normal, but in a few days 
it may have reached 102°, 103°, or 104°. 

Over the surface of the skin covering the swollen parts we find a 
slight serous sweating, which, when it dries, gives the appearance of 
an eruption of some cutaneous (skin) disease. If this is excessive we 
may see irritated spots, follow^ed by suppuration. This suppuration 
may become excessive from the great distention and loss of vitality 
of the skin. 

During the course of tliis disease colics may sometimes occur; 
later the pulse may beat 60 to SO times per minute; the dung is 
ordinarily coated. 

High temperatures indicate complications. 

The mortality is about 50 per cent. 

Treatment. — Place the patient in a clean, well-ventilated, roomy 
box stall, and tie the head up Mgli; in case the head is already swollen, 
remove the halter at once and use a head sling. If necessary to blanket 
never use the surcingle. Give soft food, clean hay, and green fodder, 
if possible, and plenty of fresh pure water to drink. 

When the legs and parts of the body are covered by the dried 
serum the surface must be softened by the application of cosmoline 
or olive oil, to which may be added a small amount of creolin (1 to 50) 
or of carbolic acid (1 to 25). 

If sloughing has taken place, the sores must receive surgical atten- 
tion; dead tissue must be removed and antiseptics applied. 

If the animal has great difficulty in breathing, we must resort to the 
use of the tracheotomy tube. 

Try to sustain the strength of the animal and give tonics to increase 
the appetite: Tincture of chloride of iron 1 to 2 ounces in a pint of 
w^ater, or iron sulphate 2 drams, quinine 1 dram; either dose three 
times daily. 

Spirits of turpentine, 3 ounces,, in 6 ounces of linseed oil, given 
twice daily, w^ill have a beneficial effect b}' stimulating the heart and 
kidneys. Sponge the head, where swollen, with either ice-cold or 
very warm water; repeat this several times daily. 

AZOTURIA. 

Azoturia is the result of the confinement of a strong, vigorous horse 
for several days in a badly ventilated, damp stable, where he receives 
full rations and no exercise, followed by sudden exposure to a lower 
temperature. It is not a disease of the kidneys, as is commonly 
supposed. 



74 THE ARMY HORSE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 

Symptoms. — These consist of troubles of locomotion (movement), 
which appear during exercise and generally within a quarter to half 
an hour after starting. 

The disease begins very suddenly, in an unusual degree of restless- 
ness, with profuse perspiration; these symptoms are speedily suc- 
ceeded by a desire to lie down, by great sluggishness, by loss of mov- 
ing power in the hind limbs, and by violent spasms of the large 
muscles of the loins, thighs, and hind quarters. The affected muscles 
are swollen and very hard, and later may atrophy, especially those 
located above the stifle. If the animal is down, he makes an effort to 
stand, but, from the total loss of power in the hind limbs, is unable 
to rise. 

The fore limbs and shoulder muscles may be similarly affected, but 
in this case the disease is less severe. 

The pulse usually becomes rapid; the temperature rarely increases, 
even in the grave form; the appetite is seldom diminished, and, as a 
rule, the animal will drink large quantities of water. 

The urine is coffee-colored and is generally retained in the bladder. 

Treatment. — As soon as the first symptoms are noticed, halt at 
once. Keep the animal on his feet ; unsaddle or unharness and blanket 
promptly; then move him as gently as possible to the nearest shelter, 
where he must have complete rest. If possible, heat some common 
salt or some oats; place in a sack and spread over the loins (under the 
blanket), to relieve the pain. Feed only good hay or laxative food 
and avoid oats and corn. Encourage the horse to drink as much 
water as possible, as this will assist the kidneys in carrying the 
poisonous material out of the blood. Wlien the urine clears, the 
animal may be gradually returned to work. 

If it has been possible to reach the stables, place the horse in a 
roomy stall; if there is then danger of his \ymg down, use the sus- 
pending slings, provided he is able to partially support his weight on 
his hind legs; then give 2 ounces of sweet spirits of niter and 2 to 4 
drams of fluid extract of cannabis indica in a pint of water. In a 
half hour administer a physic ball. 

If the animal has dropped on the road and is unable to rise he must 
be taken to the stable by the use of a stone boat or other extempor- 
ized means; plenty of bedding must then be supplied and the patient 
frequently turned from side to side; apply ^ ounce of fluid extract 
of digitalis to the loins and rub in well, to stimulate the action of the 
kidneys. If the patient has retention of urine, the bladder must be 
emptied several times daily; this can be accomplished by passing 
the hand into the rectum and applying moderate pressure upon the 
bladder, or by the introduction of the catheter. 

This disease occurs in the army only through carelessness. When 
the horse is left resting for twenty-four to forty-eight hours or longer 



PLATE XV. 



■■■ 


i 


HHP^ 


i^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^l 


^K^^ 


p^l^v 3^^^^^^V 


^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^BH 


^LJ 


«E^> '^^^^v 


^^^^H^^^^^^^^^^^^^^Hi 


I^K 


!^Vf - fl^^^v 


^^^^^^^^^^^^^■^ 


-^E 


J^^HV 


^^^H 


i 


'^'v*^ 


R 


|y 


^ a^K 


m 


1 


'^m 


%y 


1 


mM 


if%w 


N 


yM 


f 




1 


"-#% 


H 


I 



Farcy. 



MISCELLANEOUS DISEASES. 75 

the food ration should be diminished, and the animal must be given a 
little exercise in the open air every day to keep him accustomed to 
the outside temperature. 

GLANDERS AND FARCY. 

Glanders is a contagious constitutional disease of the horse and 
mule, and may be communicated to man. The disease is due to a 
fferm called "bacillus mallei," and affects the Schneiderian membrane 
and internal organs. 

When the disease is located in the lymphatic glands situated on the 
external parts of the body it is called farcy. (Plate XV.) 

Glanders and farcy are one and the same disease. 

It may be acute or chronic. In acute glanders the bacilli enter the 
blood and the disease spreads throughout the system. 

Chronic glanders. 

The beginning of chronic glanders is often hidden from view and 
passes unobserved. 

The first visible symptom is generally a discharge from one or both 
nostrils of a yellowish green matter of bad aspect; quite frequently 
it is tinged with blood. 

Then pimples and ulcers are observed upon the Schneiderian mem- 
brane. The pimples are of short duration; they are soon transformed 
into ulcers more or less deep, with sawtooth-shaped, thickened edges; 
these may heal, but will always leave a scar. 

The enlargement of the lymphatic glands situated in the sj)ace 
between the lower jaw is another important sj^mptom. In the be- 
ginning the gland is a little sensitive, slightly doughy, and adheres to 
the base of the tongue or to the lower maxillse; in some subjects it 
adheres to the skin. In exceptional cases the enlargement of the 
gland is absent. 

The general health of the animal suffers as the affection progresses; 
emaciation appears; the hair becomes dull and bristly. 

There is frequently difficulty in breathing, and the patient becomes 
rapidly fatigued. 

Farcy. 

(Plate. XV.) 

Farcy is more rare in the chronic than in the acute form of the dis- 
ease; its favorite regions are the inner side of the extremities, shoul- 
ders, neck, chest, and abdomen. 

The pimples and tumors vary from the size of a pea to tiiat of a 
walnut, or larger; they suppurate and discharge a yellow, sticky 
liquid of bad aspect. They rarely heal, and if they do a jagged scar 
remains. 



76 THE ARMY HORSE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 

Acute glanders. 

Symptoms. — Acute glanders is rare in the Jiorse (10 per cent), except 
in transit and in tropical climates. It is, on the contrary, the ordi- 
nary form in the mule. Sometimes it is primary; in other instances 
it follows the chronic form, where the vitality of the animal has been 
lessened by other acute affections. 

The disease produces an ulcerous destruction of the respiratory 
mucous membrane, and also involves the skin, lungs, and other 
organs. 

It begins with a chill, followed by intense fever, which reaches 107° 
F. A sticky, yellowish, irritating, bloody nasal discharge appears. 
The nasal mucous membrane is overrun with piniples and ulcers, 
which rapidly join one another; they may perforate the septum nasi. 
The respiration is rattling, wheezing, and moaning, due to contrac- 
tion of the larynx; to these symptoms are often added those of farcy. 
We may find diarrhea. The patient is extremely weak and emacia- 
tion progresses rapidly. 

In general, acute glanders runs a rapid course; its usual termina- 
tion is death. This ordinarily takes place within from three to four- 
teen days. 

In the horse there is no disease of which an exact diagnosis is so 
important as that of glanders. 

In order to correctly diagnose obscure cases (those with no out- 
ward symptoms) we must resort to the use of mallein. This is a 
liquid, the injection of which will cause a reaction (rise in tempera- 
ture) in glandered horses apparently enjoying the best of health. 

Treatment. — This disease is not only contagious to horses, mules, 
and men, but is incurahle in all alike; therefore, the first siep, when 
a suspicious case presents itself, is to isolate the animal, and as soon 
as it is proved that glanders exists, the animal should be killed at 
once and the carcass burned. Everything in the way of partitions, 
mangers, feed boxes, buckets, and all stable utensils must be burned, 
and the stalls and surroundings thoroughly disinfected. Chloride 
of lime, S ounces in 1 gallon of water, makes a good and efficient 
disinfectant. With this solution all parts of the stable in which the 
affected animal stood must be thoroughly washed. 

TETANUS — LOCKJAW. 

(Plate XVI.) 

Tetanus is an infectious disease, the specific cause of which is 
a bacillus or germ which, in most localities, is found in abundance 
in the superficial layer of the earth in gardens, around buildings, 
stables, etc. 

The disease, wdien present, always follows a wound, more espe- 
cially one produced by a nail ])uncture. 



PLATE XVI. 




Tetanus. 



MISCELLANEOUS DISEASES. 77 

The germ will not develop in the presence of oxygen; conse- 
quently, all punctured wounds of the foot should be freely opened 
to admit of the introduction of air, as well as to allow of thorough 
cleansing with an antiseptic. This preventive treatment is generally 
successful. 

Tn warm countries, especially in tropical climates, cases of tetanus 
are much more frecjuent than in cold regions. 

Symptoms. — Tetanic spasms (spasmodic or continuous contrac- 
tions of the muscles) appear, as a rule, in the muscles of the neck 
and head; thence they extend to the shoulders, trunk, and extremi- 
ties; or the stiffness may start in the region of the injured organ or 
member. 

Contraction of the cheek muscles; the inferior maxillary is then 
no longer able to execute the slightest movement, and the prehension 
and mastication of food becomes difficult or quite impossible. This 
inability to open the jaws has given to the disease the name of 
lockjaw. 

Contraction of the great posterior muscles of the eye causes a 
retraction of this organ within the orbit, and a protrusion of the haw 
upon the eyeball. 

The animal is very stiff, holds his head in an extended position 
as if sufl'ering from a sore throat; the tail is elevated and the ears 
drawn closer together; the nostrils are much dilated; the legs stand 
apart; the eyes indicate excitement and anxiety, the mucous mem- 
branes are reddened ; some muscular groups, principally the muscles 
of the cheeks and of the back of the neck, are hard and distinctly 
outlined, as if carved; the muscles of the jaws, neck and shoulders, 
back, lumbar region, croup and tail are as hard as wood. 

The tail and ears may be moved by the hand, but they imme- 
diately return to their former position. 

There is profuse sweating when the animal is disturbed or when 
he is in a spasm; respiration is accelerated and laborious. When the 
patient is approached for an examination, his excitement increases 
instantly; the lower jaw is pressed hard against the upper, and can 
not be separated from it, even by the most violent efforts of the 
examiner; on parting the lips a fetid liquid runs out of the mouth, 
which is more or less filled with particles of food ; if the head is lifted 
the whole haw obscures the greater part of the eyeball. 

Backing is extremely difficult or even impossible; turning is also 
very laborious; the trunk, neck, and shoulders can not be flexed, 
the extremities are as stiff as stilts. 

The course of tetanus is variable, according to the individual. 
It commonly develops rapidly, and death takes place in two or 
three days. In some cases death occurs more slowly, w^ithin four to 
eight days on an average. In others, again, where the spasm is 



78 THE ARMY HORSE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 

moderate and of little extent, the disease may continue for several 
weeks. 

Recovery before the third week is rare; about this time the spasm 
begins to decline, the appetite returns, respiration becomes calmer, 
and the movements more free; very often recovery takes place only 
at the end of five or six weeks; there may be a continuance of the 
stiffness of movement and tension of the muscles of the back for a 
long period of time. 

Treatment. — A systematic course of food and the freedom of the 
patient from all kinds of excitement are the two essentials in the 
treatment. 

It is advisable to place the patient in a dark stall, so situated as to 
be isolated and free from all noises, and with ordy one man in attend- 
ance; strangers entering the stall of a patient affected with only a 
mild attack may cause such excitement that the animal is thrown 
into a violent spasm and dies in a short time. 

Give the patient gruel, mealy drinks, liquid food, and, if he can 
eat it, green fodder. 

Medicinal agents are of secondarj^ importance in the treatment 
of lockjaw. Large doses (2 to 8 ounces) of bromide of potassium 
should be given in the liquid food, twice daily. The administration 
of medicines by the mouth is not practicable; not only because 
of the locked jaws, but because it causes excitement. 

The infected wound requires special care. It should be well opened 
up, disinfected, foreign bodies extracted, etc. 

Some authorities recommend the use of the suspending sling. 

In the horse the mortality from this disease is from 80 to 85 per 
cent. 

In localities where tetanus is common, a preventive serum, 
called " antitetanic," is injected into the blood, whenever the horse 
receives a punctured or suspicious wound. 

DISEASES OF THE TEETH. 

On account of the character of its food the horse has been supplied 
with molar teeth, with roughened grinding surfaces. The lower 
jaw is narrower than the upper jaw, and the table (grinding) surfaces 
are sloping. The distance from the gum to the grinding surface is 
greater on the outside surface of the upper molars and the reverse 
in the lower molars. 

On account of this conformation a sharp ridge of points is liable 
to develop on the outside of the upper molars and may occur on the 
inside of the lower ones. These points are sometimes so sharp 
that they lacerate the cheeks and tongue during mastication. A 
horse thus affected will frequently bolt his food before thoroughly 



MISCELLANEOUS DISEASES. 79 

masticating it, thereby causing chronic indigestion. He will also 
flinch when reined, causing great annoyance to his rider or driver. 

Such irregularities can be easily detected by an examination 
of the animal's mouth with the hand; when found, the sharp edges 
must be removed by the use of a float. 

Decayed teeth. 

All teeth are apt to decay, such decay being generally due to 
an injury. 

A decayed tooth will be found in one of the following conditions: 
Split, broken, or shorter than the surrounding ones, and having a 
fetid odor. The opposing tooth in the opposite jaw is often found 
to be elongated. 

Symptoms of irregularities in teeth. — Quidding of the food, holding 
the head to one side while masticating food or drinking water, 
slobbering, chronic catarrh, fetid breath, swelhng of the maxilla 
in the neighborhood of the teeth, general unthrifty appearance, etc. 

Treatment. — A diseased tooth must be extracted, and an elongated 
one must be shortened to correspond with its fellows. 

SPASM OF THE DIAPHRAGM THUMPS. 

Caused by severe exertion. 

Symptoms. — In the region of the lower part of the left flank, near 
the border of the false ribs, wifl be observed shocks which, at times, 
shake the whole body; they are usually accompanied by a short, 
jerking expiration, and by a dull, thumping sound which is heard 
at a distance of several paces. The trouble may be followed by 
inflammation of the lungs or by founder. 

Treatment. — Absolute quiet and fresh air free from draughts. 

Give the following: Aromatic spirits ammonia 2 ounces, water 1 
pint. Or, sweet spirits of niter 2 ounces, fld. ext. belladonna 2 
drams, water to make 1 pint. Either mixture may be repeated in 
one hour if necessary. 

If hiflammation of the lungs or founder follows, treat accordingly. 
5417—09 6 



CHAPTER IX. 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN AND EYE. 

ERYTHEMA. 

Erythema is a slio;htly inflamed condition of the skin, unattended 
by any eruption. The parts are slightly swollen, hot, tender, or 
itchy, and dry, and if the skin is white there is redness. 

Erythema may arise from a variet}^ of causes, as chilling or partial 
freezing, heat and burning, chapping, urine, and medicine. 

Treatment. — Apply the following several times daily: Sulphate of 
zinc 1 ounce, acetate of lead 1 ounce, water 1 quart. Or, use the 
following ointment twice daily: Oxide of zinc 1 ounce, cosmoline 6 
ounces. 

GREASE. 

(Plate XVII.) 

Grease is a chronic inflammation of the skin of the back part of 
the fetlock and pastern. It is usually caused by lack of cleanliness, 
but may result from overfeeding without exercise. 

The skin is at first red, swollen, painful, and hot. It is soon cov- 
ered by vesicles (blisters) which burst and discharge a thin, yellowish 
liquid, which is at first without odor. The hairs are matted together 
erect, or fall out in large quantities. 

Grease produces, in the course of time, serious alterations in the 
pastern or fetlock. The excreted liquid becomes decomposed and 
softens the epidermis. A kind o'f sticky, doughy exudate is formed, 
which is of bad aspect, of fetid odor, and very irritating. 

The back part of the pastern and fetlock becomes the seat of 
granulating wounds, the granulations ranging in size from that of a 
pea to a large grape (the so-called grapy stage). 

Treatment. — In the first stage cleanliness and the application of 

the ordinary drying powder or antiseptic ointments are sufficient. 

In cases where proud fiesh exists, the granulations must be removed 

with the knife and burned with red-hot iron or lunar caustic and then 

80 . 



PLATE XVII. 




Grease. 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN AND EYE. 81 

treated as a fresh wound. Applications of iodine and glycerin in 
equal parts, or of the three sulphates, may be beneficial. 

SCRATCHES. 

Scratches is allied to grease and results from similar causes; it is 
not so severe, but if neglected may terminate in that disease. It is 
usually of a dry nature, with shallow cracks in the skin, and often 
discharging a thin liquid, which does not irritate the skin. The dis- 
ease is located in the back part of the pastern joint. 

Treatment. — Cleanse thoroughly with castile soap and water, dry, 
and appl}-: Sulphate of zinc 1 ounce, acetate of lead 1 ounce, water 1 
quart. Or, oxide of zinc 1 part, lanolin 10 parts. Or, tincture of 
iodine may be resorted to. Good results are obtained by a dressing 
of equal parts of zinc oxide and acetanilid, kept in place by a piece of 
gauze or cotton and a bandage. 

SCABIES MANGE. 

This is a contagious skin disease produced by parasites and can be 
transmitted to man. 

There are three parasites that cause mange; two varieties burrow 
into the deeper layers of the skin, the first being found about the 
head and neck (though it may spread over the surface of the body), 
the second at the roots of the mane and tail; the third species does 
not burrow into the skin and is found on the extremities. 

Symptoms. — This disease is characterized by great itcliing associ- 
ated with the formation of pustules (pimples). As the disease 
developes, large surfaces become destitute of hair and are covered 
by powdery crusts of variable thickness. At a later period the skin 
becomes thickened, wrinkled, and fissured, assuming the appearance 
of the skin of the rhinoceros. 

Treatment. — The first essential is the separation and isolation of 
the unhealthy from the well animals. . Wash the affected parts 
thoroughly with warm water, soap, and a scrubbing brush, and 
apply the following: Acetanilid 10 parts, creolin 5 parts, cosmoline 
20 parts. Melt the cosmoline and mix with the other ingredients 
while cooling. This ointment should be applied twice a day and the 
parts thoroughly washed every other day. Continue the treat- 
ment until the skin becomes healthy. 

SIMPLE INJURIES TO THE EYELIDS. 

Inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the eyelids may be 
caused by bruises or the presence of a foreign body, such as sand, 
chaff, etc. If the eyelids should become torn, they must be sutured; 



82 THE AEMY HOESE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 

the utmost care is necessary as the needle may puncture the eyeball 
and blindness will follow. 

Treatment.— l\.eep the parts clean with a saturated solution of 
boracic acid, and dust with iodoform. 

SIMPLE OPHTHALMIA — CON.JUNCTI VITIS . 

Inflammation of the outer parts of the eyeball, and of the exposed 
vascular, sensitive mucous membrane (conjunctiva) which covers 
the ball, the eyelids, and the haw. 

The causes of external ophthalmia are mainly those which act 
locally — blows with whips, clubs, and twigs; the presence of foreign 
bodies, such as chaff, dust, sand, ammonia arising from the excre- 
ment, etc. 

Syvnptonns. — Watering of the eye, swollen lids, redness of the 
mucous membrane exposed by the separation of the lids, and a 
bluish opacity of the cornea, which normally is clear and transparent. 
The eyelids may be kept closed, the eyeball retracted, and the haw 
protruded over one-third or one-half of the ball. If the affection 
has resulted from a wound of the cornea, a white speck or fleecy 
cloud is formed, and often blood vessels begin to extend from the 
adjacent vascular covering of the eye to the white spot, and that 
portion of the cornea is rendered permanently opaque. 

Treatment. — Place the horse in a dark stall and bathe the outside 
of the eye with tepid water; a few drops of the following lotion 
should be dropped inside the eyelids: Zinc sulphate 20 grains, boracic 
acid 1 dram, fluid extract of belladonna 1 dram, water 4 ounces. 
Cover the eye with a clean, dark cloth on the inside of which a piece 
of absorbent cotton has been sewed; keep the cotton saturated with 
the same lotion. This treatment should be applied and continued 
twice daily until the parts assume their normal condition. In case 
of wound or ulcer on the cornea, make use of a quill, through which 
blow iodoform into the eye daily. 

RECURRENT OPHTHALMIA — MOONBLINDNESS. 

This affection, sometimes called periodic ophthalmia, is an inflam- 
mation of the interior of the eye; it is intimately related to certain 
soils and climates, and to certain animal systems, in which it shows 
a strong tendency to recur again and again, usually ending in blind- 
ness from cataract or other serious injury. Continuous exposure to 
bright sunlight is frequently an exciting cause. 

Symptoms vary according to the severity of the attack. In 
some cases there is marked fever. The local symptoms are in the 
main those of simple ophthalmia; opacity advances from the margin 
over a part or the whole of the cornea. An attack lasts from ten 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN AND EYE. 83 

to fifteen days. The attacks may follow each other at intervals of 
a month, more or less, but they show no particular relation to any 
particular phase of the moon. From five to seven attacks usually 
result in blindness, and then the other eye is liable to be attacked until 
it also is ruined. 

Treatment. — Is largely the same as that for simple ophthalmia. 
During recovery a course of tonics is often very beneficial and acts 
in assisting to ward off another attack. Such a tonic is the follow- 
ing: Sulphate iron 1 ounce, gentian 1^ ounces, nux vomica 1^ ounces. 
Make into twelve powders and give one powder, in feed, twice a day. 

If opacity of the cornea remains, benefit may be obtained from 
the use of silver nitrate, 4 grains to 1 ounce of water, a few drops 
dropped into the eye twice daily. A saturated solution of iodide 
of potassium may be used in the same manner. 

• CATARACT. 

Cataract is usually the result of repeated attacks of recurrent 
ophthalmia. It is an opacity, not of the cornea, but of the crystalline 
lens. No treatment will restore it to its normal condition. 



CHAPTER X. 



DISEASES OF THE FEET. 

^ Removing pressure means trimming the bearing surfaces of the foot 
in such a way that the shoe can not cause pressure upon diseased 
structures. 

CORNS. 

A corn is the result of bruising the sensitive sole or sensitive laminae 
of the quarters or bars and appears as a reddish spot in the angle 
formed by the wall and bar, usually on the inside of the front feet, 
seldom, if ever, in the hind feet. 

Causes. — A rapid gait on hard roads; lowering one quarter more 
than the other; shoes so fitted that they press on the sole at the heel, 
and shoes left on so long that the wall overgrows the heels of the 
shoe and causes the shoe to press on the sole ; long feet, which remove 
the frog too far from the ground, thus preventing the proper expan- 
sion of the foot. 

Treatment. — First remove the cause by taking off the shoe ; shorten 
the toe, lower the quarter that is too high, or correct any faults that 
may have existed in the preparation of the foot. Remove all pressure 
from the affected spot and reshoe. 

In case of severe inflammation and ])robable suppuration, poultice 
or soak the foot until the horn softens and pus appears; open freely, 
disinfect, remove all horn that is underrun by pus and then pack with 
the "three sulphates" until suppuration ceases. Plug the corn with 
oakum or tar and shoe with a bar shoe, removing all pressure from the 
affected quarter. (The special function of the bar shoe is to produce 
frog pressure.) The three-quarter shoe may also be used. This shoe 
will prevent pressure on the diseased spot, but it has a tendency to 
give a rocking motion to the foot in action. 

THRUSH. 

Thrush is a diseased condition of the frog, characterized by a dark- 
colored discharge of offensive odor. 

Causes. — Uncleanliness; horses standing in stalls saturated with 
urine, or in wet earth filled with decomposing vegetable matter. 

84 



DISEASES OF THE FEET. 85 

Symptoms. — At first there is simply an increased moisture in the 
cleft of the frog, accompanied by an offensive smell. After a time the 
discharge is more profuse, then watery and highly offensive, changing 
gradually to a thick, putrid matter, which rapidly destroys the horn 
of the frog. 

Treatment. — Kemove the cause; keep stalls clean and dry. Pare 
away all lose portions of the horn, so as to expose the diseased parts; 
clean thoroughly b}^ washing with warm water ; dry with oakum and 
pack with powdered alum, calomel, or copper sulphate; if the dress- 
ing will not remain in place use a leather boot. 

CANKER. 

Canker is a disease of the frog and sole, marked by an offensive- 
smelling, cheesy discharge, by a softening and breaking down of the 
horny fi'og and sole, and a spongy enlargement of the sensitive fi-og 
and sole. When this disease follows an injury which has exposed 
the soft structures of the foot, it soon causes a separation of the soft 
and horny portions, presenting a very unhealthy appearance and chs- 
charging a thin, watery fluid. 

Causes. — Canker is generall}" believed to be caused by a vegetable 
parasite, the development of which is assisted by filthy stables or low, 
wet ground. 

Treatment. — That part of the frog or sole that has been underrun 
must be removed with the knife and the canker exposed; the un- 
healthy growth is then touclied Avith a red-hot iron, burning it off 
level w^th the surrounding healthy structures, care being exercised 
not to injure the sensitive portions of the foot. Next, wash clean, 
then dry and apply the following powder : Equal parts of sulphate of 
zinc, sulphate of iron, and sulphate of copper. Place over this a pad 
of oakum, and over all a leather boot. This dressing must be changed 
once a day (twice a day in bad cases) ; treatment is continued until 
a healthy growth of horn covers the whole foot. The horse can now 
be shod. Pack the foot with oakum and tar and cover with a leather 
sole, which is held in place by the shoe. 

If it is desirable to change dressings on the shod foot, a more con- 
venient appliance to keep them in place is made in the following man- 
ner: Cut a piece of sheet zinc to cover about two-thirds of the sole 
and frog, the outer edge of the piece fitting luider the shoe; cut 
another piece to cover the remaining third and wide enough to lap 
over the first piece, the lap to run parallel to the cleft of the frog; 
then cut a strip about 1 inch wide to act as a keeper; the ends of this 
strip are pressed under the shoe, the strip passing across the foot from 
quarter to quarter. 



86 THE ARMY HOESE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 

QUITTOR. 

A quittor is a running sore, situated on the coronet of the foot, 
with one or more tubes (sinuses) leading in a downward direction 
and discharging pus. 

Causes. — Pricks in shoeing; punctures of the coronet, sole or frog; 
bruises or suppurating corns. 

Symptoms. — A swelling on the coronet, presenting a peculiarly 
unhealthy appearance, and in the center of which are one or more 
sinuses communicating with the diseased structures inside of the 
foot. In nearly all cases the horse is very lame. 

Treatment. — Find out, if possible, what has caused the quittor. 
If it is the result of a nail prick or a festered corn, open it up on 
the underside of the foot, allow the pus to run out, and then treat 
as described under "Puncture." If no nail prick or corn can be 
found, treat the quittor from above, by injecting into the sinuses 
one of the following solutions: Carbolic acid, 1 to 20; creolin, 1 
to 25; bichloride of mercury, 1 to 500. Tliis treatment should be 
continued for several days, at the end of which period, if the parts 
do not appear in a healthier condition, inject into the tubes 1 dram 
of bichloride of mercury well shaken up in 1 ounce of water. This 
will cause a separation of the diseased walls of the tube from the 
healthy parts of the foot. Poultices of flaxseed meal assist this 
separation. Keep the parts clean and wash out with carbolic acid or 
creolin as at first. If the sore does not heal under this treatment 
a surgical operation will be necessary. 

QUARTER CRACKS AND TOE CRACKS. 

A toe or quarter crack (often called a sand crack) is a split in the 
horn of the wall; the position of the crack determines the name 
applied to it. Horses with thin, weak quarters are predisposed to 
quarter crack. 

Causes. — Excessive dryness of the hoof; alternate changing from 
damp to dry; heavy shoes; large nails, and nails set too far back 
toward the heels. 

SymjHoms. — The crack generally starts at the coronary band and 
gradually extends downward to the lower border of the wall. The 
most common form of quarter crack is a deep fissure extending 
through the wall and causing a pinching of the sensitive structures. 
When, however, the crack is not deep there is seldom any lameness. 

Treatment. — The first step is to remove the shoe and soften the 
horn by poultices or by standing in warm or cold water for a few 
(lays, then cut away the hard overlapping edges of the fissure and 
thin the wall on each side so that there will be no friction between 
the edges of the crack. As the wall grows down from the coronet 



DISEASKrt OF THE FEET. 87 

the upper end of the crack must be carefuhy observed to see that 
the new horn grows down strong and smooth. In time the crack 
will disappear at the lower edge of the wall. If the sensitive laminjie 
have been exposed by this operation, the parts should be washed 
with a solution of creolin, 1 to 50, and the wound should be dusted 
with acetanilid and covered with a pad of oakum held in place by 
a boot or bandage. In a few days a thin layer of horn will be thrown 
out, covering the sensitive laminae. The horse can then generally 
be put to work. 

After a quarter crack has been trimmed out, the horse should be 
shod with a bar shoe, the wall underneath the quarter crack being 
cut away so that it will not come in contact with the shoe. 

In a case of toe crack the operation is the same. In shoeing, the 
wall is cut away at the toe to prevent pressure. 

PUNCTURE OF THE SOLE AND FROG— PRICKS IN SHOEING. 

A puncture of the sole or frog is usually caused by a horse stepping 
on a nail, a piece of broken glass, or other sharp object. If the wound 
enters the soft structures of the foot, it results in lameness and the 
formation of pus. 

Pricks in shoeing are of two kinds: First, when the nail is driven 
into the soft structures, and, second, when it is driven too close, 
causing a bulging of the inner layer of horn, which is forced in upon 
the sensitive lamina?. In the first case the horse goes lame imme- 
diatel}^; in the second case lameness may not appear for several days 
or weeks. 

To -detect a punctured wound of the foot remove the shoe, exam- 
ining each nail as it is withdrawn for traces of moisture. Then 
test with the pinchers. When the sore spot is pressed, the horse 
will flinch. 

Treatment. — Open the wound and let out any pus that may have 
formed; wash out with a solution of creolin, 1 to 25, or of carbolic 
acid, 1 to 20. Unless the pus has a good outlet, it will burrow into 
the surrounding tissues and quittor or canker may follow. More- 
over, there is always danger of tetanus in all cases of punctured 
wounds, especially in the feet. The germ of tliis disease is present 
in nearly all soils and is very liable to be carried into the wound 
upon the nail or other object. After the wound has been opened 
up and washed out, the foot should be placed in a hot flaxseed poul- 
tice, a fresh one being applied three or four times a day, and the 
parts washed out after each poultice, as in the first instance. The 
treatment should be continued until inflammation is reduced and 
the formation of pus has ceased. The hole can then be plugged 
with oakum .and tar, the shoe reset, and the horse put to work. 



OO THE ARMY HORSE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 

LAMINITIS OR FOUNDER. 

Laminitis is an inflammation of the sensitive laminse (p;enerally of 
the front feet) and may involve the adjoining structures. There ara 
three forms of the disease — acute, subacute, and chronic. 

The exudation of blood is greatest at the toe, the foot being more 
vascular at that point. The pain of acute laminitis is very persistent 
and agonizing, because the swollen and sensitive portions of the 
foot are surrounded by the hard and unyielding hoof and the en- 
gorged blood vessels are not permitted free exudation and swelling, 
the normal means by which congested blood vessels are relieved. 

Causes. — The most common are concussion, overexertion, ex- 
haustion, ra})id changes of temperature, the eating of various improper 
foods, such as musty grain, hay, etc.. and the drinking of cold water 
when the animal is overheated. 

Symptoms. — In acute laminitis of both front feet the animal is 
excessively lame, moves with great difficulty, especially when starting, 
and appears as if the entire body were in a state of cramp ; he stands 
with the hind legs drawn under the belly and the fore feet advanced, 
in order to relieve them of as much weight as possible. Occasionally 
he may be seen to sway backward, elevating the toes and throwing 
the weight for a moment upon the heels of the front feet, and then 
resuming the original position. If compelled to move, he raises 
the feet laboriously, not because the muscles of locomotion are 
inflamed, as is sometimes supposed, but because, if all four feet are 
not on the ground at the same time to bear the weight of the body, 
his suffering is increased. He will often groan with pain and sweat 
will break out over the body. To diagnose a case quickly, the best 
method is to push the horse backward, when, if aflected, he will 
elevate the toe-s and throw his weight upon the heels. 

The pulse in acute laminitis is full, strong, and rapid and will 
maintain these characteristics even after general debility has become 
manifest. In some instances the animal will lie down upon his side, 
with the legs stretched out, for hours at a time, evidently feeling 
great relief in this position; in other cases, particularly during the 
early period of the disease, he will stand persistently. The tem- 
perature ranges from 102° to 104°. 

Treatment. — Remove the shoes from the affected feet; stand the 
horse in hot water for several hours each day, or, what is equally 
good and perhaps safer, apply hot flaxseed poultices, changing 
them every hour as they become cold. After two or three days 
of this treatment change to cold water, which can be applied either 
in the form of a footbath or by standing the animal in a running 
stream for five or six hours at a time. As soon as the pain has 
diminished, moderate exercise is beneficial; this may be gradually 



DISEASES OF THE FEET. 89 

increased until the animal shows no further sign of trouble. If, after 
five or six days, pronounced symptoms of recovery are not apparent, 
apply a stiff bhster of cantharides around the coronet, repeating the 
bhster if necessary. In addition to the local treatment, nitrate of 
potash (saltpeter), in doses of 2 to 4 ounces, may be given three 
times a day. If the horse is constipated, give 1 quart of raw lin- 
seed oil. The subacute and chronic forms may be relieved by soften- 
ing the foot as in "Dry feet," by occasional blistering and by intelli- 
gent shoeing. 

SEEDY TOE. 

Seedy toe is a mealy condition of the inner wall of the hoof, the 
white line, and sometimes the sole. It is most frequently seen in 
the front feet. 

Causes. — Undue pressure, clips on shoes, or the result of laminitis. 

Treatment. — Pare the wall of the cavity until healthy horn is 
reached and pack with tar and oakum. Stimulate healthy growth 
of horn by the application of a cantliarides blister at tlie coronet. 
Omit the clip in reshoeing. 

CONTRACTED FEET. 

Contracted feet is an unnatural shrinking or narrowing of the feet 
at the heels. Most often seen in the front feet. 

Causes. — Lack of exercise; lack of moisture; thrush; shoes with 
bearing web inclining inward at the heels. The practice of using the 
knife to "open the heels" usually produces this trouble. 

Treatment. — Ascertain the cause and remove it if possible. The 
remedy is to secure normal pressure on the frog, bars, and heels. If 
the feet are extremely dry and hard they may be softened by standing 
the animal in moist clay or in water. If the character of the ground 
will permit let the horse go barefoot; if not, shoe with the tip, prefer- 
ably; otherwise, with the bar shoe. 



DRY FEET. 



Soften the hoofs by thorough soaking in water and then apply 
cosmoline or linseed oil to prevent the water from evaporating. This 
should be done daily for a week or two. A thick paste of ground flax- 
seed and water, packed into the cavity of the foot between the 
branches of the shoe, or a packing of moist clay, will keep the foot soft. 



COFFIN-JOINT LAMENESS. 



Sprain of the coffin joint results from slipping, stepping upon a 
rolling stone, stepping into a hole, etc. 

Sijmptoms. — Shortened gait; lameness and pointing of diseased 
foot; heat over the region of tlie coffin joint; tenderness on pressure. 



90 THE ARMY HOESE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 

Treatment. — Remove the shoe and ^ive the anmial complete rest; 
poultice the foot with flaxseed meal or stand the foot in a tuh of cold 
water; if relief is not obtained in a week, apply a blister of biniodide 
of mercury, 1 to 5, around the coronet and heels, rubbing it in well 
over the region of the heels. 

Sprain of the colhn joint, unless carefully nursed, may terminate 
in chronic navicular disease, in which the coffin-joint structures and the 
colfin bone itself become ulcerated. This disease is incurable. 

If, after navicular disease has developed, it be necessary to keep 
the horse in the service, the heel of the diseased foot should be elevated 
by the use of a shoe Avath calks or with thick heels. The foot should 
be kept soft with footbaths and poultices and a blister a})})lied when 
lameness is especially marked. Whenever possible keep the shoe off 
duriii"; treatment. 



PLATE XVIII. 




Fig. 1, Sidebone. Fig. 2, Ringbone. Fig. 3, Bone spavin. Fig. 4, Splint. 



CHAPTER XI. 



DISEASES OF BONE AND DETECTION OF LAMENESS. 

SIDEBONES. 

(Plate XVIII, fig. 1.) 

Sidebone is an ossification (turning' into bone) of the lateral carti- 
lage. Horses with flat feet and weak f[uarters are predisposed to 
this disease. 

Symptoms.— A hard, unyielding condition of the lateral cartilage, 
with or without lameness. 

Treatment. — If the horse is lame the first step is to remove the shoe 
and level the foot; then let the horse stand in a tub of cold water 
for several hours a day, or apply, around the coronet, swabs kept wet 
with cold water. As soon as the fever has disappeared clip off the 
hair over the sidebones and blister with this ointment : Biniodide of 
mercury 1 part, cosmoline 5 parts; mix thoroughly and rub in for ten 
minutes. Tie up the horse's head so that he can not reach the blis- 
tered part with his lips, and keep him in this position for twenty-four 
to forty -eight hours. Then wash off the blister, using warm water and 
castile soap. The washing must be repeated every day until all the 
scabs formed by the blister have been removed. During this time keep 
the horse standing quietly in a clean and level stall. If after ten 
days he has not improved, firing, followed by a long period of rest, 
may prove beneficial. 

RINGBONE. 

(Plate XVIII, fig. 2.) 

Ringbone is a bony enlargement, more or less prominent, situated 
upon either the os suffraginis or os coronse, and it may also involve 
the articular cartilages. 

Causes. — Blows, sprains, jumping, fast work on hard roads, and 
faulty conformation. 

Symptoms. — Lameness is usually the first symptom, and diagnosis 
is assisted by palpation (feeling) and comparison of the t^yo legs. 
The enlargement is hard, painless on })ressure, and the skin covering 
is movable. 

Treatment. — The foot must be i)ared perfectly level and a blister 
applied to the enlargement and rtepeated in two weeks if necessary. 

91 



92 THE ARMY HORSE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 

Perfect rest and quietude for four to six weeks are essential, or no 
beneficial results can be expected. 

If the rest and blisters fail to remove the lameness firing may 
sometimes be resorted to. Puncture firing in two or three rows is 
often very effective. After firing the seat of the injury should be 
blistered with biniodide of mercury, 1 to 5, and the animal kept 
quiet in a single stall for at least one month. 

BONE SPAVIN. 

(Plate XVIII.fig. 3.) 

Bone spavin is a disease involving the bones in the hock joint and 
is usually manifested in a bony enlargement, situated at the inner 
and lower part of the tarsus. 

Causes, — Weakness, faulty conformation, severe strains, hard and 
rapid work, etc. 

SymjJtoms. — The appearance of this disease is usually accompanied 
by lameness, which in the early stages of the disease is noticed only 
when the animal is first moved after a rest, and then the toe is gen- 
erally placed upon the ground first. When standing, the animal 
often rests tiie diseased leg on the toe. 

The "spavin test" is sometimes useful in diagnosing spavin lame- 
ness. It consists in keeping the hock joint flexed for one or two 
minutes and then trotting the horse. If a spavin exists lameness is 
very marked. 

Treatment. — The treatment of bone spavin is the same as that 
prescribed for ringbone. 

SPLINTS. 

(Plate XVIII, flg. 4.) 

Splints are bony enlargements, usually situated between the inner 
sphnt bone and the cannon bone, at their upper third. They occa- 
sionally occur on the outside of the hind leg. 

Causes. — Faulty action or faulty conformation causing unequal 
distribution of pressure in the knee may throw an excessive load on 
the inner small metacarpal and cause rupture of the tissue affixing 
the small to the large metacarpal. The irritation produces growth 
of bone. 

Symptoms. — Soreness may or may not be present ; when the splint 
is painful the horse is lame. 

Treatment.— li there is lameness give the animal absolute rest and 
apply a blister composed as follows: Biniodide of mercury 1 dram, 
cosmoline 5 drams. Repeat in ten days if necessary. 

DETECTION OF LAMENESS. 

Severe lameness is readily recognized, even when the animal is at 
rest. Distinct symptoms, such as pointing or frequent raising of the 



DISEASES OF BONE AND DETECTION OF LAMENESS. 93 

affected limb, are noticed, the ammal's instinct leading him to place 
the affected part in a position to relieve the pain. 

In maldng an examination for lameness, the animal, having free 
use of his head, should be led at a slow trot toward and from the 
observer. Too short a hold on the halter shank will prevent free 
play of all the muscles concerned in locomotion. 

If lame in one fore leg, the right one for instance, the head will 
nod (drop) more or less when he steps on the left fore leg, while the 
head jerks up at the moment the right leg (the lame one) is placed 
upon the ground. Hence, the head of the lame animal always nods 
when the sound leg is planted. 

Should there be lameness in both fore legs the action is stilty (stiff) ; 
the natural, elastic stride is wanting; the steps are shortened, and 
the feet kept close to the ground. Almost invariably the hind legs 
are picked up higher than normally; the shoulders appear stiff and 
the head is carried rather high, while the lumbar region is arched. 

Lameness behind is detected by trotting the horse from the ob- 
server, the croup being the essential part to be watched, since it 
drops with the sound leg and rises with the lame one. 

If lame in both hind legs, the stride is shortened and awkward; 
the fore legs are kept back of the vertical line, and are apt to be 
raised higher than usual, while the head is lowered. Backing is difli- 
cult; it is almost impossible to keep the animal at a trot when he 
is lame in more than one leg. 

Horses lame in both fore or both hind legs show a waddhng gait 
behind, often mistaken for lameness originating in the lumbar region. 
This pecuiiar motion is simply due to the fact that the hind legs are 
unduly advanced under the body for their own rehef or that of the 
front legs. Close attention is to be paid to the animal's action as 
he turns while being trotted to and from the observer, as at tliis 
moment — that is, while he turns — any hitch becomes visible; as, for 
instance, spavin or stringhalt lameness. 

Always place the lame leg in its natural position and inspect the 
various parts of the leg both with the hand and eye, comparing them 
always with the sound leg to find anatomical changes. 

In all cases examine the foot thoroughly and carefully, removing 
the shoe if necessary. Heat, pain, and swelling are always guides 
in the diagnosis of lameness. 

All lameness is divided into two classes: Swinging-leg lameness, 
which is shown by a shortened stride and more or less dragging of 
the leg; and supporting-leg lameness, which shows itself when the 
leg supports the weight of the body. The former is showm in dis- 
eased condition of the muscles. The latter is shown in disease of 
bone, tendons, ligaments, and the hoof. 



CHAPTER XII. 



AGE BY THE TEETH. 

By their growth, changes, form, and wear, the teeth of the horse 
furnish a very reHable guide to determine the animal's age. In the 
adult animal they number from 36 in the female to 40 in the male, 
and are classed according to their location, form, and function, as 
incisors, canines, and molars. 

The incisors, or cutters, occupy the front i)art of the mouth. They 
are 12 in number, 6 in the upper jaw and 6 in the lower. In each 
jaw there are 2 central, 2 lateral, and 2 corner incisors. 

The canines, or tushes, occupy the front part of the interdental 
space. The tushes are usually absent in the mare, or, if present, 
are very small. They are 4 in number, 2 in each jaw. 

The molars, or grinders, occupy the back part of the mouth. They 
are 24 in number, 6 on each side of each jaw. Naming from front to 
rear they are designated first, second, third, etc. Quite frequently 
supplementary molars, called ''wolf teeth," are present. If so, they 
appear directly in front of the first molar, in the upper jaw, and very 
rarely in the lower jaw. 

Like other animals, the horse is provided with two setsi of teeth, 
temporary and permanent. The temporary, or milk teeth, are those 
of the first growth or dentition. They are 24 in number, 12 incisors 
and the first, second, and third molars. They are all up and in wear 
when the colt is about 11 months old. Each of them is ultimately 
shed and replaced by a permanent tooth. The first sheddmg takes 
place at 2^ and the last is completed at 4^ years of age. The first 
permanent tooth to show itself, however, is the fourth molar, which 
appears at about the age of 1 year. 

The permanent incisor differs in appearance from the temporary 
one by being larger, longer, darker, or more yellowish in color, and 
by having a well-marked groove down the anterior or front face of 
the crown. It does not have the constricted neck which is charac- 
teristic of the milk tooth. 

The three principal tooth substances are called dentine, enamel, 

and cement. The dentine composes the main body of the tooth. It 

is protected by a covering of enamel, which is very white in color and 

is the hardest of all animal substances. The cement is a yellowish 

94 



AGE BY THE TEETH. 95 

colored bony material. It also forms a protective covering for the 
tooth, being spread in a thin layer over the surface of the enamel. 
This cement gives the permanent tooth the color which distinguishes 
it from the milk tooth. By the time the animal is 7 or 8 years of 
age, this substance, through constant rubbing by the lips and washing 
with saliva, has been worn from the enamel, and the teeth conse- 
quently appear much whiter than they did when the animal was 
but 5 or 6. 

The grinding surface of the tooth is called the table. In the new 
unworn tooth this is irregular and is covered with enamel. The infun- 
dihulum is the infolding of the enamel on the table of the tooth. 
This forms in the incisors a cavity, the bottom of which is filled with 
cement to a depth which varies in different animals. The unfilled 
portion of this cavity forms what is called the cup. The cups are 
deeper in the upper incisors than they are in the lower ones. They 
soon become stained by the food juices so that they appear very 
black in color. Ordinarily after a lower incisor has been in wear 
for three years its table surface has been worn down to the cement 
filling and the blackened cup cavity has disappeared. It is often 
difficult for the inexperienced observer to determine when the cup 
has actually disappeared. He expects to see the table surface per- 
fectly level and of uniform color, whereas the enamel being so much 
harder than either the dentine or the cement, stands in relief on the 
table surface, and envelops a very shallow and sometimes slightly 
stained depression (of cement) for several years after the black cup 
cavity is considered to have disappeared. The enamel of the infun- 
dibulum persists in the lowers usually until the animal is about 15 
and in the uppers until he is about 18 years of age. Standing in 
relief on the table surface as it does, this enamel is frequently termed 
"the enamel island." 

In the center of the tooth, and extending almost its entire length, 
is the pulp cavity, a channel, which in life is filled with a fleshy tissue 
or pulp through the medium of which the tooth derives its nourish- 
ment. As the tooth is worn off with age the outer extremity of the 
sensitive pulp, which would otherwise become exposed, is changed 
into a yellowish colored ivory-like substance that completely fills 
and closes the cavity. Hence, when the tooth has worn down to 
the pulp cavity, the latter appears on the table surface (just in 
front of the remains of the cup) as a yellowish colored mark called 
the dental star. This usually makes its appearance when the animal 
is 8 years old, although in very hard teeth it is often not apparent 
until about 11. 

Depending upon the hardness of the dentine and the character of 
the food, the teeth wear away at the rate of about one-twelfth of an 
inch per year. As an incisor is not of uniform shape or size from its 
5417—09 7 



96 THE ARMY HORSE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 

crown to its root, it is at once apparent that wear will continually 
change the form of its table surface. 

In the young mouth the tables of the incisors are elongated from 
side to side, while in" the old mouth they are elongated from front to 
rear. The intermediate forms through which they successively pass 
are oval, round, and triangular. Roughly speaking, the incisors are 
oval from 7 till 9 (centrals at 7, laterals at 8, and corners at 9), round 
from 10 till 13, triangular from 14 till 17, and elongated from front 
to rear at 18 or 19. 

In the young animal, while the teeth are still unworn to any extent, 
the upper and lower incisors meet in such a way that they appear 
as an evenly rounded arch. This arch, however, gradually changes 
as the teeth wear away, until in age it has become very angular or 
pointed. 

In examining the mouth of the horse to determine his age, three 
features of the incisor teeth are studied: First, the angle at which 
the uppers and lowers meet; second, the character and color of their 
crown faces, and, third, the shape and appearance of the tables. 

To obtain the best view of the mouth, grasp the upper lip firmly 
with the right hand, and place the left in the interdental space from 
the right side, using the thumb to depress the lower lip, and the 
back of the hand to press the tongue upward and backward. In 
this way the right hand serves as a twitch to hold the horse, while 
the left one uncovers the lower incisors. 

As has already been stated, the temporary teeth are all up and in 
wear at about the age of 11 months. Between the ages of 1 and 2 
the incisors remain the same in their arrangement, but begin to show 
the effects of wear. 

At 2 the mouth presents very much the same appearance as it does 
at 5, the difference being that the incisors are tempoi^ary in the former 
and permanent in the latter, and that the 2-year-old has but jive 
molars on the side of each jaw, while the 5-year-old has all six. This 
is the only case in which the molars might render assistance in the 
determination of the age. At about the age of 2|^ years the tem- 
porary centrals are pushed out by permanent ones. The uppers are 
usually shed a few weeks before the lowers. After these teeth make 
their appearance, and until they are up and in wear, the horse is 
rising, that is approaching, 3. 

At 3 the colt has two permanent incisors (the centrals) and four 
temporary ones (the laterals and corners) in each jaw. The centrals 
are up and in wear; that is, they are on a level with the temporary 
teeth. The permanent centrals are seen to be darker or more yel- 
lowish in color than their neighbors, and to have a well-marked 
groove down their front face. Another important observation to 
make is the appearance of the cups. In either the temporary or the 



AGE BY THE TEETH. 97 

permanent full mouth the centrals, having been in wear for the long- 
est period of time, show the shallowest cups, while in the 3-year-ol(l 
mouth the new centrals, having been in wear for the shortest period 
of time, show the largest, deepest, and blackest ones. The colt is 
said to be 3 years past when the permanent centrals show wear on 
both their front and rear borders. At about the age of 3^ years the 
temporary laterals are shed, and until their permanent successors 
are up and in wear the colt is rising 4. 

At 4 the colt has four permanent incisors (the centrals and later- 
als) and two temporary ones (the corners) in each jaw. The laterals 
are worn on both their front and rear borders, and the cups of the 
lower centrals, having been in wear for one year and being about one- 
third gone, show smaller than the cups of the laterals. At this age 
the contrast between the large permanent incisors and the small 
temporary corners is very striking. The colt is about 4^ years old 
when the corners begin to shed. At about this time the mouth of 
the male begins to show the tushes. After the temporaiy corners 
have all been shed, and until the four permanent corners are in con- 
tact, the colt is rising 5. 

At 5 the mouth is full. All the incisors are now permanent, and 
in each jaw they have all reached the same level. The front borders 
of the corners are in wear but the rear borders are not yet up. The 
cups of the centrals, having been in wear for two years, are about 
two-thirds gone, while those of the laterals, having been in wear for 
one year, are about one-third gone. Usually the rear borders of the 
corners come up and in the wear while the animal is between 5 and 
6 years old, but sometimes the}^ do not come up as they should, and 
such a condition constitutes what is known as a shell mouth. This 
condition may cause an 8-year-old animal to be mistaken for a 6- 
year-old. 

At 6 the cup cavities are worn entirely out of the centrals, two- 
thirds out of the laterals, and one-third out of the corners. At 6 
past, a notch begins to form on the outer border of the upper corners. 

At 7 the cups are gone from the centrals and the laterals, and the 
notch which began forming at 6 past on the upper corners is now well 
marked. The enamel is now beginning to lose its cement covering, 
with the result that the teeth are showing whiter than they did when 
the animal was 6. The tables of the centrals are becoming oval in 
form. 

At 8 the blackened cups have usually disappeared from all of the 
lower incisors, although in some cases those of the cornei-s persist for 
a year or two longer. The notch in the upper corners is hardly as 
prominent at this age as it was at 7 because, on account of wear, the 
angle of meeting is now beginning to change, and the upper corners in 



98 THE ARMY HOESE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 

consequence are finding a greater grinding surface on the lower ones. 
In some cases the dental star may now be detected between the 
enamel island and the front border of the tooth in the central in- 
cisors. It appears in the form of a yellowish transverse line. 

After the age of 6 wear alone, by changing the form and appear- 
ance of the table surfaces and the angle at which the uppers and 
lowers meet, furnishes the indications of age; and as the wear varies 
with the hardness of the teeth and the character of the food, it is at 
once apparent that no tw^o cases w411 be exactly the same. Hence, 
after the animal is 8 years old the age indications have become un- 
reliable. From now on with the passing of each year they become 
less and less reliable. After the twelfth year there is but little prob- 
ability of judging the age accurately. 

On an average it is found that the cups of the upper incisors are 
worn out in the centrals at the age of 10. 

At 15 in most cases the enamel island has disappeared from the 
lowers, and the dental star has become distinct and round in the 
center of the tables. The enamel island persists in the uppers usually 
until the animal is about 18. 

After 20 the horse is considered to have reached the limit of his 
life. The characters then presented by the teeth are those of extreme 
age. The table surfaces are elongated from front to rear. Some- 
times the crowns are very long and extend almost in prolongation of 
the jaws. Sometimes they are very short and are worn down to a 
level with the gums. The crowns now appear to converge toward 
the median line, whereas in youth they appeared straight or slightly 
divergent. 

Many deceptions may be practiced or many conditions may exist 
which render the determination of the age very difficult. Some dis- 
honest dealers and breeders resort to pulling the milk teeth a few 
months before they would fall, thereby hastening the appearance of 
the permanent ones and giving the mouth an older appearance. 
Sometimes the notches in the upper corners are rasped away to make 
the 7-year-old mouth look younger. '' Bishoping" is another form 
of deception that is sometimes practiced. This is done to make an 
old mouth appear young. New cups are drilled in the old teeth, and 
these cups are then stained black by some artificial means. This 
practice, however, should never deceive the close observer because 
the ring of enamel, which is always present around the natural cup, 
can not be reproduced in the bishoped mouth. Moreover the teeth 
will show by the angle at which they meet and by the form of their 
table surfaces that the mouth is too old for cups to be present. 

Horses with parrot or overshot mouths, and horses in the habit of 
cribbing, subject their teeth to unnatural wear, which renders the 
determination of their age very difficult. 







25 



A Hoen SCd 
PLATE XIX 

Longitudinal Section of left central lower incisor and cross sections 
of same tooth showing table surfaces as they appear at the ages of 3, 
5, 7, 9, 15, 20 and 25 years. 

C Cement D Dentine E Enamel 

I Infundibulum K Cup P Pulp Cavity 

S Star 



PLATE XlXa. 




Surra: Characteristic swelling's. 



PLATE XX. 




Surra parasite 



CHAPTER XIII. 



TROPICAL DISEASES. 

SURRA. 

This disease is caused by the Trypanasoma Evansi, an organism 
which is a low form of animal life and is found in the blood of affected 
animals. It attacks and destroys the red blood cells, causing rapid 
loss of flesh and, sooner or later, death. It is claimed by some au- 
thorities that the disease originates from the use of water and grass 
from low lands. 

SijmptoTns. — Variable temperature, ranging from normal to 102° 
and even to 106° F. ; dullness; lack of vigor; sometimes swelling of 
the submaxillary lymph glands; thin, watery discharge from the 
nostrils; swelling of the sheath and legs, more frequently the hind 
ones (Plate XIX), and swelling along the belly; these swellings pit 
on pressure. The mucous membrane of the eye, especially of the 
haw, shows dark-red spots (petechial spots) ; the urine is highly col- 
ored and is usually passed in large quantities; the bowels are con- 
stipated in the early stage and profuse diarrhea occurs later. In 
chronic cases paralysis of the hind extremities takes place, the ani- 
mal staggering when moved. The paralysis may later become com- 
plete and the horse will be unable to rise. In the acute type of the 
disease the animal dies in twelve or fifteen days, while in the chronic 
case he may linger for one or two months. The diagnosis is com- 
plete only when a microscopic examination of the blood discloses the 
parasite (Plate XX). As a rule, the parasite is seen only when the 
temperature is considerably elevated. 

Surra is always fatal, and as the danger to other animals is great 
on account of its highly contagious nature, all animals that have 
been proved to have the parasite in the blood should be removed at 
once from contact with healthy stock and destroyed. The carcasses 
should be saturated with oil and burned. Measures to prevent the 
spread of the disease should always be enforced. When in a district 
infested with surra the temperature of horses should be taken regu- 
larly every two or three days. Any animal showing, without a 



100 THE ARMY HORSE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 

known cause, a temperature of 102° F. should be isolated, and there- 
after blood examinations should be made and temperatures taken 
daily. As flies are knowTi to be carriers of the surra parasite, great 
care should be exercised to remove and avoid any breeding places 
for these pests. If stables could be screened in would be a great 
advantage in surra outbreaks. 

EPIZOOTIC OR ULCERATIVE LYMPHANGITIS. 

This peculiar tropical disease closely resembles glanders of the 
farcy form, so much so that the two might be easily confused by a 
person uninformed on tropical diseases. In observing epizootic lym- 
phangitis the high fever and sudden loss of flesh and vigor are not 
seen as in tropical glanders. 

The disease in the early stage responds to treatment, but often 
requires months to effect a cure. It is caused by a fungus, called 
cryptococcus, and is contagious. 

Symptoms. — Small bunches or nodules, the size of a half dollar, 
may appear upon the skin of any part of the body; there may be 
one or many. They often appear in chains along the course of the 
lymphatics (1, Plate XXI); they may spread around an infected 
area into an irregular patch (2, Plate XXI), apparently not following 
the lymphatics; again, the disease may start with a hard, painful 
swelling in the region of the chest or shoulder, or between the fore- 
legs, the swelling later softening in spots and forming the small 
abscesses. 

Ordinarily, the nodules soon soften and break upon the surface; 
if not, they should be opened; in either case they end in the typical 
ulcers of the disease. The small bunches or abscesses, when opened, 
contain a white, creamy pus; they do not respond readily to ordinary 
healing methods and persist after the most heroic measures have 
been adopted. In cases of long standing the ulcerations may extend 
over the greater part of the body, the limbs especially being covered 
with sores; there is usually great enlargement and thickening of the 
legs and the patient becomes badly emaciated (poor in flesh). In 
the ordinary case, however, the animal does not lose flesh and 
does not carry any marked fever. 

Treatment. — The treatment consists in opening the ulcers freely 
with a knife or cautery point heated to white heat, or, better still, 
if they are not too numerous, in dissecting them out entirely with- 
out opening the abscess wall. 

The dressings must be of a caustic nature, so as to destroy the 
cause of the disease; for instance, alcohol 4 ounces, salicylic acid 
1 ounce, bichloride of mercury 2 drams; alternate this with a dress- 
ing made of equal parts of olive oil and creolin, or one made of 
tincture of iodine 2 ounces and tincture of iron 2 ounces. Apply 



TROPICAL DISEASES. 101 

any of these dressings once daily and then use a dusting powder 
made of equal parts of iodoform and tannic acid. 

Care should be exercised to isolate the diseased animals and to 
thoroughly disinfect combs, brushes, blankets, halters, and such 
articles as may have come in contact with the diseased parts; for 
this purpose use a 1 to 20 solution of creolin or of carbolic acid. 

DHOBIE ITCH. 

This is a very troublesome skin disease peculiar to the Tropics. 
It is contagious and caused by a fungus. 

Symptoms. — Itching, the animal rubbing against the posts and 
sides of the stall; small eruptions of the skin, which spread rapidly 
and discharge a thin, watery secretion, crusts forming over the sores; 
the hair falls out and the skin becomes thickened on account of the 
irritation. Often the skin of a large part of the surface of the body 
becomes infected with these sores, and ordinary healing washes 
have no beneficial action. The* treatment, like that of epizootic 
lymphangitis, should be prompt and energetic, and, since both dis- 
eases are caused by a fungus, should be similar in nature. One of the 
most valuable remedies is made of equal parts of olive oil and creolin, 
which should be applied once daily after thoroughly washing the sores 
and removing the scabs. A mixture of alcohol 6 ounces and sali- 
c}^lic acid 1 ounce is of value and is applied daily. In the absence 
of alcohol, sulphuric ether may be substituted. Tincture of iodine 
often effects a cure. If the case is persistent, cauterize the parts 
with pure carbolic acid and then apply alcohol after the acid has 
been on one minute. After cauterizing use the olive oil and creolin 
dressing daily. 

On account of its contagious nature, all animals suffering from 
this disease should be isolated., and brushes, combs, blankets, etc., 
should be thoroughly disinfected with creolin or carbolic acid 
solution. 



The common diseases of temperate countries assume a more 
aggravated form in the Tropics. Infectious diseases are more fatal 
and infected wounds heal more slovvly. This is due to the lower 
vitality of the animal and to the hot and moist climate, which favors 
germ growth. Pneumonia is almost always fatal in the Philippines. 
Canker and thrush are found in the most aggravated type. Peri- 
odic ophthalmia is very prevalent, resulting in many animals becom- 
ing blind. Heatstroke is a frequent occurrence, on account of the 
excessive heat and moisture, and is fatal in the majority of cases. 
The temperature in heatstroke frequently rises to 110° to 113° F. 



102 THE ARMY HORSE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 

Glanders, which is very common, runs a rapid and fatal course. 
American horses rarely suffer from the chronic form of the disease 
often manifested in cooler climates. 

In the Tropics a careful daily inspection of the horses should be 
made and the temperature of every animal should be taken at least 
once a week. Any animal with a suspicious discharge from the nose 
or with sores upon the body indicating farcy buds and any animal 
showing a rise of 2 degrees above normal temperature should be 
isolated and kept under observation by a veterinarian. In case of 
an outbreak, temperatures should be taken daily. Normal tem- 
perature in the Tropics is usually about 1 degree higher than in a cool 
climate, and it may rise as much as 4 degrees with exercise of a 
moderate nature. These facts should be taken into consideration in 
recording temperatures. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



MEDICINES ; THEIR ACTION AND USES. 

Antiseptics. — Remedies which arrest putrefaction. They kill or 
prevent the development of those bacteria which produce decompo- 
sition. 

Examples: Corros. sub., carbolic acid, creolin. 

Disinfectants. — Destroy the specific poisons of communicable 
diseases by killing those germs which produce disease. 

Examples: Lime, sulphur gas, etc. 

Deodorants. — Disguise or destroy odors. 

Examples: Iron sulphate, carbolic acid, etc. 

Rubefacients. — Cause redness of the skin. 

Examples: Alcohol, turpentine, etc. 

Vesicants. — Cause a discharge of serum from the skin. 

Example: Cantharides. 

Stomachics. — Promote digestion. 

Examples: Gentian, ginger, etc. 

Vermicides. — Kill worms. 

Examples: Turpentine, iron sulphate, etc. 

Vermifuges. — Remove intestinal worms by purgation. 

Parasiticides. — Destroy parasites. 

Examples: Carbolic acid, creolin, etc. 

Purgatives. — Evacuate the bowels. 

Examples: Aloes. 

Laxatives. — Mild purgatives. 

Examples: Bran mash, small dose of linseed oil. 

Cliolagogues. — Promote secretion of bile. 

Examples: Aloes, calomel. 

Diaphoretics. — Increase perspiration. 

Examples: Ethers. Same action produced mechanically b\ warm 
clothing. 

Diuretics. — Increase secretion of urine. 

Examples: Potass, nit., turpentine. 

Tonics. — Gradually but permanently improve appetite and increase 

vigor. 

Examples: Quinine, iron, gentian, etc. 

103 



104 THE ARMY HOESE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 

Anesthetics. — Produce loss of consciousness. 

Example: Chloroform. 

StyiJtics . — Check hem orrhage . 

Example: Tincture of iron. 

Caustics. — Destroy tissue by burning. 

Examples: Lunar caustic, copper sulphate, etc. 

Expectorants.- — Act upon the mucous membrane of the respiratory 
organs and cause an expulsion of their secretions. 

Example: Chloride of ammonia. 

Stimulants. — Promptly but temporarily increase nervous vigor, 
thus increasing action of the heart and other functions. 

Examples: Alcohol, ammonia, ether. 

Alteratives. — Correct morbid conditions without causing marked 
physiological effects. 

Examples: Iodide of potassium, potassium nitrate. 

Astringents. — Contract living tissues. 

Examples: Alum, zinc sulphate, tannic acid. 

Sedatives. — Depress (slow) the nervous system. 

Example: Potas. bromide. 

Anodynes. — Relieve pain by diminishing the excitability of nerves 
and nerve centers. 

Examples: Opium, belladonna. 

Antispasmodics. — Prevent or remove spasmodic contractions of 
voluntary or involuntary muscles. 

Examples: Belladonna, sulphuric ether. 

Carminatives. — Aid in the expulsion of gas from the intestines by 
increasing natural movement, stimulating circulation, etc. 

Examples: Capsicum, ginger, aromatic spts. ammonia, sulphuric 
ether, etc. 

Febrifuges or antipyretics. — Agents which reduce high temperature 
of the blood; reduce fever. 

Examples : Acetanilid, cold water. 

VETERINARY MEDICINES. 

Acetanilid. — Is a febrifuge and antiseptic. Used internally to 
lower fever in doses of from 1 to 4 drams. Used externally as an 
antiseptic in the form of a dry dressing. 

Acid, arsenious (arsenic). — Is an irritant, corrosive poison, given 
internally in doses of from 1 to 6 grains as a digestive tonic, and for 
skin diseases, usually in combination with iron sulphate and gentian. 
Externally it is used to remove warts, in the form of an ointment, 1 
part of arsenic to 8 or 10 of lard. 

Acid, horacic. — Action, antiseptic; a saturated solution is very 
useful in conjunctivitis. With oxide of zinc it makes a very nice 
dressing for abrasions, scratches, etc. 



medicines; their actions and uses. 105 

Acid, carbolic. — A A'"aluable antiseptic and disinfectant. A 1 to 20 
solution makes a very good wash for all wounds. A very good pre- 
scription for local use is the following: 
Carbolic acid, 6 drams. 
Glycerin, Ij ounces. 
Water to make 1 pint. 
Acid, salicylic. — A useful antiseptic; a saturated solution of sali- 
cylic acid in alcohol is a good dressing for indolent sores and ulcers. 
Salicylic acid dusted upon a wound will remove the granulations 
of proud flesh. 

Acid, tannic. — An astringent and antiseptic. It is given internally 
in diarrhea and dysentery. Dose, 30 grains to 1 dram. 
The following prescription may be used: 
Acid, tannic, ^ to 1 dram. 
Opium, powdered, ^ to 1 dram. 
Make into one ball and repeat every two hours imtil the diarrhea 
is checked. 

Tannic acid is an excellent remedy, used in the form of a saturated 
solution (with witch-hazel water), for hardening tender shoulders. 

Aconite. — Is a dangerous poison and should not be used internally, 
but locally. Mixed with other drugs it makes a good anodyne lini- 
ment. 

Aconite, 2 ounces. 
Alcohol, 5 ounces. 
Opium, tincture, 4 ounces. 
Witch-hazel, distilled, 5 ounces. 
INIix, and apply several times daily. 

Alcohol. — Stimulant. Given for weak heart in debilitating dis- 
eases, such as lung troubles, etc. Dose, 2 to 4 ounces in 1 pint of 
water, and repeated every four to six hours, as required. 
It is useful in the formation of liniments. 

Aloes, Barbados. — Is the general purgative for the horse. Dose, 
6 to 8 drams. 

Aloes, Barbados, 6 to 8 drams. 
Ginger, 1 dram. 
Make into a ball and give upon an empty stomach. 
The ''cathartic capsule, " to be supplied, will take the place of aloes. 
It will contain aloin, strychnine, ginger, and calomel. 

A purgative should never be given in diseases of the respiratory 
system. 

It generally takes about twenty-four hours to operate. 
Alum. — Astringent. It is useful as a wash for sore mouths; used 
in the strength of | ounce to 1 quart of water. Externally it is a 
valuable remedy in the treatment of thrush. Burnt alum is useful 
for the removal of proud flesh. 



106 THE ARMY HOESE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 

Ammonia, aromatic spirits of. — Stimulant and carminative. A 
very useful remedy in the treatment of colics, and exhaustion. Dose, 
1 to 3 ounces, well diluted. 

Am,monia, solution of. — Used externally only, in combination with 
other drugs, as a stimulating Imiment. 
Ammonia, solution of, 1 part. 
Turpentine, oil of, 1 part. 
Olive oil, 2 parts. 
To be well shaken before using. It is an excellent external appli- 
cation for sore throat. 

Ammonia, chloride of. — Used in all cases where an expectorant is 
indicated, such as diseases of the respiratory system. Dose, 1 to 4 
drams. For catarrhal diseases it is usually combined with quinine 
and nitrate of potash, prepared in the following manner: 
Ammonia, chloride of, 3 ounces. 
Quinine sulphate, 6 drams. 
Nitrate of potash, 3 ounces. 
Make into twelve powders and give one every three of four hours. 
Belladonna, fiuid extract. — Antispasmodic and anodyne. Used 
in cases of colic in conjunction with other medicines. Dose, 1 to 2 
drams. 

When applied to the eyes it dilates the pupil and soothes the 
irritated membrane. Generally used in combination with sulphate 
of zinc or boracic-acid solutions. 

A very useful wash for the treatment of conjunctivitis is made as 
follows : 

Sulphate of zinc, 20 grains. 
Belladonna, fid. ext., 1 dram. 
Water, 2>h ounces. 
Apply twice a day. 

Camphor, gum. — Antispasmodic and antiseptic. Dose, 1 to 2 
drams. A very good remedy for diarrhea is made as follows : 
Camphor, gum, 1 dram. 
Opium, powdered, 1 dram. 
Make into a ball; give, and repeat every two hours until relief is 
afforded. 

Externally it is useful for sprains, combined with other medicines, 
forming what is known as the soap liniment. 
Castile soap, 10 parts. 
Camphor, 5 parts. 
Alcohol, 70 parts. 
Water, 15 parts. 
To be used only externally as a mild, stimulating, anodyne liniment. 
A useful dressing for wounds is made of gum camphor, 8 ounces, 
carboHc acid^ 3 ounces. This is especially valuable in fly time. 



medicines; theie actions and uses. 107 

Cannabis indica (Indian hemp). — Antispasmodic and anodyne. 
Its main use is in coHc, as it relieves pain without causing constipation. 
Dose, 2 to 4 drams. 

Cannabis indica, 2 to 4 drams. 
Ammonia, aromatic spirits, 1 ounce. 
Water, 1 pint. 

Give at one dose and repeat in three-quarters of an hour if necessary. 
This is an excellent remedy for colic. 

Cantharides, powdered (Spanish fly). — Used only for its blistering 
effect. Prepare by rubbing the cantharides and cosmoline together 
(1 to 5 or 6) with a spatula on a piece of glass. 

Oapsicum (cayenne pepper). — Stomachic and carminative. Given 
internally in combination with gentian and ginger in mild cases of 
indigestion attended with flatulency. Dose, J to 1 dram. 

OJiarcoal. — A mild antiseptic and deodorant. It is very good 
mixed with poultices, especially for wounds and sores that have a 
foul odor. It may be dusted on the surface of foul sores and will soon 
destroy the odor. Internally it is given in doses of 2 to 4 drams, 
and is useful in chronic indigestion and diarrhea. 

Copper sulphate (blue vitriol, bluestone). — A caustic, tonic, vermi- 
cide, and astringent. Used principally as a caustic for thrush and 
canker. A good remedy for thrush or canker is equal parts of sul- 
phate of copper (powdered), sulphate of zinc, and sulphate of iron: 
" The three sulphates." This powder can be applied two or three 
times daily. Used also internally as a tonic in chronic nasal 
catarrh. Dose, 1 to 2 drams. 

Collodion. — When painted over wounds it forms an air-tight 
coating and in small wounds keeps the edges in a fixed position 
and promotes healing. Especially valuable when applied to punc- 
tured wounds of joints. 

Chloroform. — Antispasmodic, stimulant, and anodyne. Useful 
in colics. Dose, 1 to 2 drams, well diluted. It may be added to 
anodyne liniments. When inhaled, it acts as an anesthetic. 

Cosmoline. — A by-product of petroleum. Used as a base for 
ointments. It is also valuable to apply upon the skin, when wound 
secretions are abundant to prevent dropping out of the hair, 

Creolin.—A nonpoisonous, nonirritating antiseptic and para- 
siticide. It is one of the best medicines that we have, not only as 
a valuable application for all wounds, but to destroy all parasites 
with which the animal may become infested. 

Used in solution or ointment in a strength of 1 to 50 or 1 to 20. 
For mange it is used in a 1 to 10 solution. 

Digitalis, fluid extract of. — A very dangerous poison, and should 
not be administered internally. A valuable diuretic when applied 
over the kidneys and well rubbed in. 



108 THE ARMY HORSE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 

Ether, nitrous, spirits of (sweet spirits of niter). — Stimulant, 
antispasmodic, diuretic, and diaphoretic. Dose, 1 to 2 ounces. 

A very useful stimulant in all cases of weakness of the heart action. 
For its stimulating and antispasmodic actions it is given in colics 
combined with belladonna or cannabis indica. 

Ether, sulphuric. — Stimulant, antispasmodic, and carminative. 
Dose, 1 to 2 ounces, well diluted. 

Combined with belladonna or cannabis indica its antispasmodic 
action is increased. 

FenugreeJc. — Aromatic and stomachic. Sometimes combined with 
tonics to disguise their odors. Dose, 1 ounce. 

Flaxseed meal. — Used for poultices. 

Gentian. — Stomachic and bitter tonic. It improves the appetite 
and general tone. Dose, ^ to 1 ounce. 

Ginger. — Stomachic and carminative. Combined with purgatives 
it diminishes their tendency to gripe, and also somewhat hastens 
their action. Dose, i to 1 ounce. 

Glycerin. — Used as a base in the same manner as cosmoline. 
Useful, combined with equal parts of iodine, in the treatment of 
grease. 

Iodine. — Given internally in diabetes insipidus. Dose, 20 grains 
to 1 dram, to be repeated three times daily until the quantity of 
urine is lessened. Best given made into a ball with flaxseed meal, 

Externally it is used for the removal of swellings, curbs, enlarged 
tendons, etc. It is also a useful stimulant for indolent sores and 
ulcers. A good solution for external use is made as follows : 
Iodine, 1 ounce. 
Iodide of potassium, 3 ounces. 
Water, 1 pint. 

To be applied several times daily. 

Tincture of iodine is made of iodine, 1 ounce; alcohol, 1 pint. 

Iodoform. — Antiseptic. Used externally as a dry dressing, either 
alone or combined with other drugs, such as boracic acid, acet- 
anilid etc. 

Iron, tincture of the chloride of. — A valuable tonic, building up the 
system and enriching the blood. Useful in purpura and in conva- 
lescence after all debilitating diseases. Dose, 1 to 2 ounces, well 
diluted. 

Used externally as an astringent and styptic in serious hemorrhages. 
A small piece of cotton saturated with it and applied to the bleeding 
part is the proper mode of application. 

Iron, sulphate of (Ferrisulphate).— Tonic and vermicide. It 
increases the appetite and builds up the system. Dose, ^ to 1 dram. 
Frequently combined with nux vomica, etc. 



medicines; their actions and uses. 109 

Lanolin. — Used as a base for ointments in the same manner as 
cosmoline. 

Lead, acetate of. — Astringent and a valuable remedy for relieving 
local pain. Used externally to cool and relieve sprains, inflamed 
tendons and joints, and to relieve itching skin diseases. 

The white lotion is made as follows: 
Acetate of lead, 1 ounce. 
Sulphate of zinc, 1 ounce. 
Water, 1 quart. 

Shake well and apply several times daily. 

The lotion is a very valuable remedy for the relief of all external 
diseases accompanied by heat and swelling ; also an excellent dressing 
for wounds. 

Lime, chloride of. — This is the best disinfectant that we have. 
Four ounces to 1 gallon of water is the proper strength. This solu- 
tion should be used as a wash for the disinfection of stables. A 
small portion of chloride of lime placed around in stables will destroy 
the odor arising from decomposed urine. 

Lunar caustic. — Used for the removal of warts and proud flesh. 
Four grains to 1 ounce of water make a good application for the 
removal of the cloudiness remaining after an attack of ophthalmia. 

Mercury, hichloride of (corrosive sublimate; antiseptic tablets). — 
Dissolved in water this is the most energetic antiseptic; 1 to 1,000 
solution is the proper strength to use in the treatment of all wounds. 
Two tablets to a quart of water give this strength; if the bichloride 
is in bulk, use 15 grains to a quart of water, and add 15 grains of 
chloride of ammonia to insure complete dissolution. 

Mercury, mild chloride (calomel). — Internally, a cholagogue. 
Dose, ^ to 2 drams. It is not used alone, but is combined with 
aloes. 

Calomel, 1 dram. 
Barbados aloes, 4 drams. 
Ginger, 1 dram. 
Water to make a ball. 

Externally, antiseptic and drying. Used in the treatment of 
ulcers and thrush. 

Mercury, hiniodide. — Used as a blister; its effects are ver}^ pene- 
trating. Used principally in the treatment of spavins, splints, side- 
bones, ringbones, and all bony enlargements. 
Binioide of mercury, 1 part. 
Cosmoline, 5 to 6 parts. 

Mix and rub together thoroughly. 

Apply with friction for at least ten minutes. 

Nux vomica, j^owdered. — A nerve stimulant and tonic. Dose, 4 to 
1 dram. It is a very useful tonic in building up the tone of the 



110 THE ARMY HORSE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 

system in convalescence from debilitating diseases and general lack 
of vitality. Generally given in combination with gentian, iron, and 
other tonics. 

Oil, linseed. — Laxative (mild purgative). Dose, ^ to 1 quart. 
Do not use boiled oil. 

Oil, olive. — Generally used as a vehicle in making liniments and 
oily solutions. 

Oil of tar (pine tar). — Useful for plugging holes and cavities in the 
hoof after all suppuration has ceased. 

Oil of turpentine. — Diuretic, stimulant, antispasmodic, vermicide, 
and expectorant. Dose, 1 to 3 ounces diluted with oil. 

Externally it is used in the formation of liniments (see Solution 
of Ammonia). 

Opium, tincture of (laudanum). — Anodyne, antispasmodic. Checks 
secretion of mucus membrane. On account of these properties it is 
a valuable remedy in diarrhea and dysentery. 

Very useful in the treatment of all abdominal pain where there 
are no symptoms of constipation, but as a rule belladonna and 
cannabis indica are preferable. Dose, 1 to 2 ounces. 

Externally, opium tincture is used to relieve pain of sprains and 
bruises. 

A very good anodyne lotion is made as follows: 
Opium tincture, 4 ounces. 
Acetate of lead, 2 ounces. 
Water to make 1 quart. 

Apply every few hours. 

Opium, p>owdered. — Not used externally. It is used internally for 
the same purpose as the tincture. Dose, ^ to 2 drams. 

Potassium hromide. — Nerve sedative. Dose, J to 2 ounces. In 
tetanus this medicine can be given in large doses. 

Potassium nitrate (saltpeter). — Alterative, febrifuge, and diuretic. 
Dose, 1 to 4 drams. In the treatment of laminitis the dose is 2 to "4 
ounces, repeated three times a day. Externally it makes a good 
cooling lotion: 

Nitrate potassium (saltpeter), 5 ounces 
Chloride of ammonia, 5 ounces. 
Water, 16 ounces. 

Mix and keep the affected parts saturated with this lotion. 

Internally, saltpeter is a most excellent medicine in the treatment 
of catarrhal and febrile diseases. It is also useful in the treatment of 
swollen legs. 

Potassium iodide. — Alterative, diuretic, and expectorant. Dose, 2 
to 4 drams. It is given to promote absorption of enlargements, such 
as enlarged glands in lymphangitis, and in partial paralysis resulting 
from injury to the brain or spinal cord. 



medicines; their actions and uses. Ill 

For such purposes full doses are given twice a day for two weeks. 

Potassium permanganate. — Antiseptic, disinfectant, and deodorant. 
Useful for the removal of foid odors arising from unhealthy wounds ; 
also for cleaning hands and instruments. From 1 to 4 drams, water 
1 pint, is the proper strength of the solution for use. 

Quinine, sulphate of. — Tonic, stomachic, antiseptic, and mild 
febrifuge. Dose, ^ to 1 dram, repeated three times a day. It is 
given in all febrile and debilitating diseases. Combined with sul- 
phate of iron it is very useful in purpura. In influenza and pneu- 
monia it is generally combined with gentian and nitrate of pbtash, 
made into powders in the following proportions: 
Quinine sulphate, 1 oimce. 
Gentian, 3 ounces. 

Make twelve powders and give three times a day. 

Salol. — Antiseptic. Used internally and externally for its anti- 
septic properties. Dose, 2 to 4 drams. 

Sodium bicarbonate . — Carminative, stomachic, relieves acidity of 
the stomach. Dose, 1 to 2 drams. This is an excellent medicine in 
chronic indigestion and flatulency. 

Sulphur. — Parasiticide. This medicine may be used for the treat- 
ment of mange, but it is inferior to creolin or carbolic acid. 

Witch-hazel. — A cooling astringent wash, very useful when com- 
bined with other medicines in the form of liniments or lotions. 

Zinc sulphate. — Externally it is much used as a caustic and astrin- 
gent for wounds, foul ulcers, etc. It is an excellent remedy for the 
treatment of thrush and canker. 

Sulphate of zinc | 

Sulphate of copper. [Equal parts. 
Sulphate of iron I 

Zinc oxide. — Antiseptic and astringent. Used either as a dry 
powder dusted on the wounds or can be made into an ointment with 
lanolin: 

Zinc oxide, 1 part. 
Lanolin, 6 parts. 

Zinc chloride. — An irritant and corrosive poison, never given inter- 
nally. Externally it is applied as a stimulant, astringent, caustic, 
and parasiticide. It is also used as an antiseptic, disinfectant, and 
deodorant. From 2 to 4 drams to the pint of water are used for 
ordinary antiseptic purposes. 

DOSES. 

Grouped according to amounts; for reference and for convenience 
in memorizing: 

GRAINS. 

Arsenic 1 to 6. Iodine 20 to 60. 

5417—09 8 



112 THE ARMY HORSE IN ACCIDENT AND DISEASE. 



DRAMS. 

y^ to 1. 

Capsicum; Iron sulj^hate; Nux vomica, powd(3red; Quinine sulphate; Tannic 
acid. 
U to 2. 

Calomel; Opium, powdered. 
] to 2 

Belladona, fluid extract; Camphor, gum; Chloroform; Copper sulphate; Sodium 
bicarbonate. 

1 to 4 

Acetanilid; Ammonia, chloride; Potassium, nitrat(\ 

2 lo 4 

Cannaliis indica, fluid extract; Charcoal; Potassium iodide; Salol. 
6 to 8 

Aloes. 

OUNCES. 

Yi to 1 

Gentian; Ginger. 
1 

Fenugreek. 

^'2 to 2 

Bromide of potassium. 
1 to 2 

Sulphuric ether; Sweet spirits of niter; Tiuct. Chloride of iron; Tinct. Opium. 

1 to 3 

Aromatic spirits of ammonia; Oil of turpentine. 

2 to 4 

Alcohol; Potassium nitrate (in laminitis). 



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